Prince Harry is celebrating his 40th birthday this weekend without several of his closest celebrity friends, according to reports. The Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan Markle are hosting a gathering at their Montecito mansion in California, but some notable names are absent.
Music legend Elton John, a close friend of the couple and of Harry's late mother Princess Diana, is not expected to attend. A local flower shop manager told The Sun that Elton ordered orchids for Harry's birthday, similar to what he sent for Meghan's birthday, suggesting a gift rather than a personal appearance.
Other absentees include James Corden, who is filming the final episode of Gavin and Stacey in Wales, and some of Harry's old friends from Eton. The actor's schedule prevents him from joining the celebrations.
Harry will reportedly head to the mountains for a weekend trip with friends after the party. In a statement to the BBC, he said: 'Becoming a father of two incredibly kind and funny kids has given me a fresh perspective on life... Being a dad is one of life's greatest joys.' He added: 'I was anxious about 30, I'm excited about 40.'
PEOPLE magazine reported that Harry is having a 'gathering of close friends internationally' to mark the occasion.
