Harry planning fortieth birthday bash with out Meghan as he heads off with friends

Prince Harry is set to welcome in his 40th birthday on Sunday (September 15) with a huge private bash, but Meghan Markle is said to be left out.

The Duke of Sussex is said to be going abroad on a lads-only holiday with his “closest mates,” while Meghan will remain home with their children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three. Reports claim the lads will start their weekend with his family at his mansion in Montecito, California, before heading off, according to the Sun.

The royal couple still hold the titles of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex but took a step back from their duties in 2020 before moving to the states. But it is claimed the former star royal has been growing more and more dissatisfied with his new life away from the UK, reports the Mirror.

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A source, said to be close to the Sussexes, told the Sun: “Harry is feeling more and more isolated in California, which is why he has been reconnecting with old friends back home. The Colombia trip also really highlighted how Meghan is comfortable stepping into the spotlight, while Harry cuts a very sulky, unhappy figure in the background.

“He wants to carve out a way back into royal life back in the UK and is seeking counsel from old friends and associates.”

Rumours have been swirling that the Duke of Sussex has been seeking advice on how to make a return of sorts to the UK, and to the Royal Family fold – but claims that friends think Harry has lost his way have been disputed by some sources.

And The Sun claims some of Harry’s closest inner circle of friends have been remarking how he seems to be enjoying taking more regular solo trips back to his homeland, while Meghan continues to reportedly refuse to return to the UK. However, there is still much work to be done to heal any rifts between Harry and the royals.

In his book Spare, Harry detailed his childhood in the public eye as well as his experience with drugs in his older years. He also opened up about an explosive row he had with his brother William, during which the Prince of Wales allegedly called Harry’s wife Meghan “difficult”, “rude” and “abrasive”. Harry claims his brother then “grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and he knocked me to the floor”.

Outspoken royal biographer Angela Levin, who is known for making several harsh claims about the Sussexes, alleged to the Sun: “You could say Harry is not even the spare to his wife. He’s almost nothing. She treats him horrendously. If you look at the filming of them in Colombia and Africa, he is not asked anything. He’s pushed out of the way.”

But she added: “I was completely and utterly astonished to learn that Harry is trying to call in his old friends to help him get back within his own family.”

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