Prince Harry is gearing up for a boys’ getaway to celebrate his birthday, and it appears his wife, Meghan Markle, won’t be joining him on this adventure. According to reports from the *Daily Express*, the Duke of Sussex has planned a special birthday retreat in the picturesque Californian mountains, not far from his home, alongside a few of his closest friends. As he approaches the milestone of turning 40 this Sunday, September 15th, Harry will kick off the festivities with family and friends in Montecito, California, where he lives with the Duchess of Sussex and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Once the birthday celebrations in Montecito wrap up, Harry is set to embark on an excursion with his buddies to Montecito Peak, a scenic spot along the Cold Spring Trail. A source shared that the Cold Spring Trail is dotted with streams and pools, perfect for a refreshing dip, though adventurers should be cautious of local wildlife, including snakes and even large cats.

“Harry and his companions are poised to immerse themselves in the great outdoors as they embark on an extensive hiking adventure,” the source said. “Let’s hope he’s got a seasoned guide by his side!”

Meanwhile, reports from *The Sun* indicate that Meghan won’t be part of the small crew venturing into the Californian mountains. Instead, the Duchess is expected to remain at home, cherishing time with Archie and Lilibet.

This news comes on the heels of Harry sharing with *People* magazine just before his birthday that the most precious gift he has ever received is his children. Through a spokesperson, he expressed, “Without a doubt, my kids are the greatest gift I’ve ever been given. I relish watching them grow each day and cherish my role as their dad.”

As Harry steps into his 40s, he’s filled with enthusiasm for the future and is eager to dive into his passion projects, such as the Invictus Games and the Archewell Foundation. In addition, Netflix has recently unveiled the trailer for Harry’s upcoming venture, a show titled *Polo*, set to premiere later this year. This series promises to offer an insider glimpse into the exhilarating world of polo, a sport that holds a special place in the Duke’s heart.

Furthermore, as Prince Harry approaches his 40th birthday, royal experts are offering mixed reflections on his life achievements and the potential fulfillment he may or may not feel. While he has undoubtedly garnered success in certain areas, some observers question whether his current path is truly bringing him the deep sense of satisfaction he might have hoped for.

Prince Harry is set to celebrate his milestone birthday privately with his family in Montecito, California. Afterward, he’s expected to embark on a lads’ holiday in the Californian mountains. Despite the celebratory nature of this time, there are growing conversations among royal commentators about the Duke of Sussex’s journey and whether he feels completely content with where his life has taken him.

Wesley Kerr, a respected royal commentator, recently discussed Harry’s upcoming birthday and reflected on the Duke’s significant accomplishments. Speaking on *The Royal Beat*, Kerr emphasized that Harry has much to be proud of, particularly highlighting two notable achievements: his military service and the creation of the Invictus Games.

The Invictus Games, which Harry founded in 2014, is a sports competition for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women. It has garnered international attention and praise, offering these individuals a platform to showcase their resilience and strength through athleticism. For Harry, the Games represent not just a passion project but a key legacy point—one that links him directly to the service members he has long admired and supported.

Kerr remarked, “The Invictus Games certainly stand out, as does his military service. Both are incredible achievements, and speaking with military personnel, it’s clear how much respect they have for the work Harry has done for injured servicemen. It’s a real legacy for him.”

Despite his accomplishments, Kerr raised a thought-provoking question: Does Prince Harry feel genuinely fulfilled by the work he’s currently doing? In particular, he wondered whether Harry’s sense of purpose extends beyond his involvement with Invictus. While Harry has forged a new life in the United States, far removed from his former royal duties in the UK, Kerr pondered whether this shift truly aligns with the deep sense of public service Harry was raised to value.