Prince Harry celebrates his 41st birthday, marking over four decades in the public eye. The youngest son of King Charles III and the late Princess Diana has lived a life watched closely by the world — from his first public appearance as a newborn in 1984 to his current role as a husband, father, and philanthropist.

Now based in Montecito, California, Harry is expected to spend his special day privately with Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4.

Although he stepped back from royal duties in 2020, his life remains filled with significant milestones — from his decade-long military service to his continued commitment to humanitarian work.

As the Duke of Sussex marks this birthday, here are the most defining moments of his remarkable journey:

• A Royal Beginning
  Henry Charles Albert David was born on September 15, 1984, at the Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital, London. The newborn, affectionately called “Harry,” was third in line to the throne at the time of his birth. He was christened three months later at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

• Childhood at Kensington and Highgrove
  Harry grew up between Kensington Palace and Highgrove House, sharing a close bond with his brother, Prince William. In his memoir Spare, Harry described his early years as filled with adventure, recalling summers spent running through the grounds of Balmoral.

• The Tragedy of 1997
  At just 12 years old, Harry lost his mother, Princess Diana, in a car accident that shocked the world. He has since spoken about how his young mind struggled to process the grief, recalling the days following her death as “blurry” and “shock-ridden.”

• Education at Eton College
  Harry attended Eton College, where he tried to maintain some normalcy despite being one of the most photographed teenagers in the world. He later admitted he experienced “profound shock” when he first arrived but ultimately remembered his school days fondly.
• Finding Solace in Africa
  After his first trip to Africa at age 12, Harry developed a deep connection with the continent, calling it his “second home.” Over the years, he has worked on conservation projects in Namibia, Tanzania, South Africa, and Botswana. A friend once told him, “Your body was born in Britain, but your soul was born here.”

• Military Service at Sandhurst
  In 2005, Harry enrolled at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, earning the title Officer Cadet Wales. Despite palace debates about his safety, he insisted on serving on the front lines, later calling his decade in the armed forces “the happiest years of my life.”