Prince Harry will celebrate his 42nd birthday on Tuesday, surrounded by his wife Meghan Markle and their children Archie and Lilibet, just weeks after returning to the UK following six years in California.
Twelve years ago, however, his birthday plans were abruptly halted, with the Princess of Wales at the centre of the decision.
Planned celebration for 30th birthday
When Harry marked his 30th birthday in 2014, Meghan Markle had yet to enter his life. The Duke had been planning a spectacular celebration with the help of his brother Prince William and his wife.
It was reported that William and Kate had organised an intimate family birthday dinner for Harry at Kensington Palace, with the guest list including royal cousins Princesses Beatrice, Eugenie and Zara Tindall, as well as close friends.
Party cancelled over Kate's condition
Shortly before his birthday, the now-Princess of Wales began suffering from severe morning sickness while expecting Princess Charlotte. Kensington Palace officials confirmed that Kate had been struck down with morning sickness following her second pregnancy.
Out of consideration for his sister-in-law's condition, Harry took the decision to cancel the party altogether. A source told the Mirror at the time: "Harry was in no doubt that the party should be postponed, even though 30 is an important milestone. Kate had been very involved in organising Harry's party, and once she fell ill he felt it wrong to let the event go ahead."
Later event and current relationship
Vanity Fair later claimed that the party did go ahead at a later date, held at Clarence House rather than Kensington Palace, with King Charles even sending champagne for guests to enjoy.
Prince Harry and Princess Kate's relationship is now a far cry from where it stood in 2014, with the in-laws reportedly not speaking in several years. After the Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved back to Britain at the end of August, friends of the couple told the Mirror that while they "cannot forgive" the Sussexes for their hurtful accusations against the Firm, they are determined to "look forward to the future".
Despite the "considerable noise" and "suspicions" over the Sussexes' return, those close to the Prince and Princess of Wales maintain the couple remain focused on their own lives. One source said: "Obviously the Sussexes' return will make inevitable headlines for a few days, but it has no bearing on the prince and princess' life moving forward."
Another source close to the Waleses said: "What Harry and Meghan choose to do is up to them. As far as William and Catherine are concerned they have left that period of their lives behind many years ago."
