Why Prince Harry’s Birthday Might Be Especially Bittersweet in 2020
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex turns another year older on Sept. 15, 2020. The British royal family celebrates birthdays privately and this year will be no exception. Although in 2020, Harry’s birthday holds a certain level of significance that could make celebrations bittersweet.
Princess Diana and Prince Charles welcomed Prince Harry in 1984
On Sept. 15, 1984, Princess Diana and Prince Charles became parents for the second time. Born Henry Charles Albert David Mountbatten-Windsor, the Duke of Sussex joined the royal family when Diana gave birth to him at the Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital.
It’s been reported Charles wanted a daughter and was disappointed to get Harry. What’s more, he didn’t like Harry’s red hair.
Prince Harry turns 36, the same age as Princess Diana when she died
Major life events bring up all sorts of emotions when loved ones aren’t around to witness them. For Harry, turning 36 marks another birthday without his mother. That alone could make the day bittersweet. But then there’s the added significance of this particular birthday.
As of Sept. 15, 2020, Harry will be 36 years old. For the average person, turning 36 may simply mean being another year older. But for the Duke of Sussex, turning 36 means being the same age his mother was when she died.
Diana passed away on Aug. 31, 1997, after succumbing to injuries sustained during a car accident in Paris, France. Her death shocked the world and left William and Harry to grow up without a mother.
Prince Harry’s life looks a lot different in 2020 than it did in 2019
A lot has changed for Harry since his last birthday. Since turning 35, he’s stepped down as a senior royal, moved to California, bought a new home, and has a new job of sorts.
At the end of March 2020, Harry and his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex said goodbye to life as senior royals. They now reside in Meghan’s home state of California with their son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.
In the summer of 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex bought their first home together. A $14.7 million mansion in Montecito, California, Harry and Meghan have a mortgage.
Becoming financially independent from the royal family, Meghan and Harry signed a deal with Netflix reportedly worth up to $150 million.
Producing films and series for the streamer, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be behind scripted shows, documentaries, features, children’s programming, and docuseries.
The influx of cash allowed Harry and Meghan to pay back the money spent on renovating Frogmore Cottage totaling. £2.4 million in taxpayer dollars.
Even though Diana’s not here, Harry and William carry on her legacy.
