Prince Harry turns 40: Reflecting on his milestones and challenges
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As Prince Harry turns 40 on Sunday, royal commentator Afua Hagan charts the prince's path which has been defined by significant milestones and challenges from his time at Kensington Palace to his current life in his California mansion.
Prince Harry, once known as the cheeky royal with a penchant for parties, has undergone a pretty remarkable transformation over the years.
As he ascends to the fourth floor, the Duke of Sussex's journey from a young playboy prince to a purpose-driven public figure has captivated global attention -- both good and bad.
His life has been shaped by the legacy of Princess Diana, his experiences in the British Army, and of course, his relationship with Meghan Markle.
Harry's path to 40 has been defined by significant milestones and challenges. From his time at Kensington Palace to his current life in his Montecito mansion, he has navigated the complexities of royal duties, personal loss and public scrutiny.
His work with charitable organizations in Lesotho and Botswana, his candid discussions about mental health, and his decision to step back from being a working royal have all contributed to shaping the man he is today.
Prince Harry's journey from a carefree royal to a purpose-driven public figure has been defined by several pivotal moments, all lived out in the public eye. His early years were shaped by the tragic loss of his mother, Princess Diana, when he was just 12 years old. The image of Harry walking solemnly behind Diana's casket endeared him to the British people, but also left a profound impact on his life.
Harry's path to maturity was not without its challenges. In 2005, he faced intense criticism for attending a party wearing a Nazi uniform, an incident he later apologized for as a serious error of judgement.
