Prince Harry reportedly chose to spend the night of his 40th birthday apart from his wife Meghan Markle, amid rumours the couple are spending more time apart.

Prince Harry celebrated his 40th birthday away from Meghan Markle, as exclusively revealed by Express.co.uk last month. The Duke of Sussex took a trip to the Californian mountains for the milestone occasion.

Before his big day on September 15, it was disclosed by the Express that Prince Harry planned to enjoy a mountain getaway in Montecito with some of his closest friends. An insider shared that the trip would include a hike to the peak of Montecito, part of the Cold Spring Trail in California, just a few miles from the mansion he shares with Meghan and their two children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3.

However, The Daily Mail has now reported that the getaway started on Harry’s birthday, with the Duke choosing to spend the night of his 40th with his friends rather than with his wife Meghan, 43.

Sources close to the couple have stated that Meghan, who was last seen before Harry’s big day, arranged the trip for her husband.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced rumors about their marriage

This revelation follows swirling rumors about the state of the couple’s marriage as Harry has been on several solo trips in recent weeks.

The Duke recently visited the UK and Africa for various engagements, while Meghan Markle reportedly stayed at their Montecito mansion with the children instead of accompanying Harry.

The Daily Mail also reported that sources claimed the couple were not spending as much time together earlier this year.

Rumors have been swirling that there’s trouble in paradise for the Royal couple, with one insider allegedly telling The Sun that Meghan has been spending less time at their Montecito home earlier this year, leaving Harry to wander solo, looking downcast at a neighborhood cafe.

However, those in the know insist that Harry and Meghan are as solid as ever, brushing off any suggestion of marital strife.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond discussed Harry’s choice to undertake numerous solo engagements in a condensed period as she told OK!: “We can’t go on criticizing Prince Harry for jetting across the Atlantic for this that and the other, and then raise questions about why he is consolidating his travel into one big trip. It makes perfect environmental sense.”

She continued: “Maybe it’s better for his kids as well, for him to disappear for a fortnight and then be at home – rather than lots of comings and goings. Harry is box office. He’s always had a way with people and crowds and it’s lovely to see him coming into his own with charities and causes that he became involved with many years ago. Married couples don’t have to do everything together.”

Harry himself seemed keen to quash the gossip during his appearance in London at the WellChild Awards 2024, where he fondly brought up his “lovely wife” while accepting a thoughtful present that made him think of her.

Adding a personal touch to the event, the Duke divulged some adorable tidbits about his daughter Lilibet, including her affection for her “Lovies” comfort toys.