Prince Harry will feel 'delighted' after unexpected public birthday greetings from royals

Prince Harry will feel “pleasure” today as he wakes up in America to unexpected public birthday greetings from the Royal Family, an expert has said.

With the Duke of Sussex celebrating his 40th birthday today in California, it came as a great surprise to royal fans to see both King Charles and Prince William mark the prince’s birthday on social media.

In a short but sweet message, the King wrote: “Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!”

• Sarah Ferguson's response after being arrested with Princess Diana
• Andrew biographer lays bare Anne's true feelings on royal dispute

This post was then shared by Prince William and Princess Kate, who wrote: “Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex!”

Although Harry is no longer a working member of the royal family, the public greetings come after the late Queen set a social media rule before her death that non-working members of the royal family can have their birthdays celebrated on official social media channels for milestone birthdays ending in 0.

A royal expert has now said that the messages are likely to be unexpected for Harry but a welcome surprise, especially as no members of the Royal Family will be flying over the pond for his birthday party later today.

Expert Richard Fitzwilliams said: “The Palace had a policy of only recognising the birthdays of working royals on social media. This marks a change but it is a special occasion. It is a sensible move that naturally begs the question, are tensions easing?

“It is in everyone's interest to have reconciliation and that, if it happens, it will almost certainly take a long time. Mutual trust will need to be restored.

“However the obvious first step is to cease all hostilities.”

Fitzwilliams then commented on how it would build on the pleasure Harry will already be feeling, especially as it is likely he will not have expected such public birthday greetings.

The royal expert told Express.co.uk: “It would build on the pleasure Harry must surely feel in having his special day marked unexpectedly on social media by the royal family.”

The birthday greeting is the first public one Harry has received from his family since 2021 before the late Queen’s death.

It is also expected that the prince will receive a private call from his father King Charles later today, however sources believe William will not be calling his younger brother.

Harry will then celebrate with a birthday party at his Montecito mansion before heading away for a break with his friends.

He will then set out to New York later this month for a series of solo engagements.