Royal fans respect 'gracious' Prince William's decision to mark Harry's 40th birthday

Royal fans have praised the "gracious" decision taken by Prince William to wish his brother, Prince Harry, a happy 40th birthday despite tense relations between the pair.

On the official social media account of the Prince and Princess of Wales, the duo wrote: "Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex!"

The couple re-tweeted the joyous photo of Prince Harry originally posted by King Charles and Queen Camilla, who also sent heartfelt birthday greetings to the Duke of Sussex.

The surprising move by Prince William has sparked a positive reaction among some fans. One wrote: "Thank you for being the adults in the room. As Prince Harry continues his attacks this will make him look even worse."

Another praised the decision: "I respect your sending birthday wishes, but I couldn't have done it. I still stand by my opinion you could have done it personally. Try to read the room; it creates a division of precisely what the Sussex has done now for years."

Another social media user described the move as "gracious". They added: "Very gracious of you. He doesn't deserve to be related to such decent people."

Other fans have sent their own individual messages to the father of two online: "Happy Birthday Prince Harry I'm wishing you for more Birthdays to come and remain in vigorous health."

Although this does not confirm the rift is over, the message comes as a surprise to many after the accusations Harry hurled at William in his memoir. Considering this, some royal fans have said they are not pleased to see the post considering Harry’s previous treatment of the pair.

One person wrote: "I love you William and Kate but I won’t give like to anything related with this man."

Another person said: "Ugh. I’m not mad, I’m disappointed."

Last year, King Charles and Prince William declined to publicly celebrate Harry's 39th birthday. The royals' silence came after Harry released his memoir Spare, which blasted his family - including William, Kate and Camilla.

It is the first time the Royal Family has shared a public message for Harry since wishing him a happy birthday in 2021.

To mark his landmark birthday, rumours are swirling that Harry will be jetting off with his pals for a boys-only escapade.

According to The Sun, this follows an intimate family celebration planned at his Montecito estate in California, where Meghan is expected to remain with their young ones, Prince Archie, aged five, and three-year-old Princess Lilibet.

The Duke lives in California after he stepped down from the working monarchy and he has a strained relationship with his father and is currently estranged from his brother, the Prince of Wales.

However, when the news of the King's cancer diagnosis was announced in February, Harry made a transatlantic dash to see him, but his meeting with his father was just 45 minutes long.