Prince Harry could face a significant dilemma regarding which members of the royal family to include in his 40th birthday celebrations, according to a royal expert.
The Duke of Sussex is expected to mark this milestone on September 15th with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. However, royal commentator Tom Quinn suggests that Harry will likely also meet with Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Quinn warned that this could create a complicated situation. He explained to The Mirror, "If any key members of the royal family are involved in Harry's 40th birthday celebrations, it'll be Beatrice and Eugenie, but this presents a problem for Harry."
Quinn elaborated that while Harry would love to have his cousins there, he would avoid inviting Prince Andrew, which could upset Beatrice and Eugenie, who remain loyal to their father and wish to see him reinstated in some way. Quinn added, "Harry needs all the friends he can get, but there are limits."
According to an X user, Einstein Evans, Prince Harry is expected to provide exclusive photos and videos to People magazine and other outlets for his 40th birthday in September. The couple reportedly has enough resources for a major birthday spread, which might prominently feature Meghan Markle. This speculation raises eyebrows as it appears to be an attempt to maintain relevance in the media.
Critics argue that the advance leak of this information highlights a desperate bid for attention. They point out that at 40, Harry has little to show in terms of career, education, or family connections and suggest that his frequent lawsuits and public family disputes have tarnished his reputation. They describe Harry and Meghan as "the most annoying micro-celebrities" and predict that the People magazine feature will largely focus on Meghan.
Commentators note that at 40, Harry seems to lack the maturity and achievements typically expected at this stage in life. They criticize his lack of post-secondary education, steady employment, and meaningful family connections. Observers argue that Harry's public life has been marred by lawsuits and selling family stories for monetary gain, which they believe diminishes his standing and makes him appear as a "complete and total loser." This negative perception is further exacerbated by his wife Meghan, who is often blamed for the couple's estrangement from the royal family.
A hypothetical preview of the People article might read: "Prince Harry at 40: How He's Moved Past the Painful Split from His Family with the Love and Support of His Wife. What's Next for the Royal Couple and How Harry Knows the Best Is Yet to Come." Critics predict Meghan will take center stage, possibly showcasing new hair extensions or cosmetic procedures, while Harry will be sidelined, consistent with past patterns in their public appearances.
Some observers speculate that Meghan's hiring of a photographer for portraits a few months ago might be related to this birthday feature. Regardless, many doubt that the public will be highly interested. They question whether People magazine will have to pay for the photos and, if so, how much. In any case, the consensus is that the public already knows what Harry looks like and might not be inclined to purchase the magazine just for these new images.
The criticisms extend beyond Harry's birthday celebrations. Critics argue that Harry appears immature for his age, displaying behavior more characteristic of a petulant man-child than a 40-year-old man. They claim that he lacks the awareness and responsibility expected from someone of his background and position. Additionally, the negative impact of his actions on the late Queen's final months is often highlighted, painting a picture of disloyalty to his family. Critics contend that both Harry and Meghan's actions have been disrespectful to the royal family, further isolating them from their roots.
