A public birthday message from King Charles III to his son Prince Harry has captured the hearts of royal fans, becoming one of the most popular posts on the royal family’s Instagram in 2024.
The message, shared in September to mark Harry’s 40th birthday, featured a smiling photo of the Duke of Sussex alongside the caption: “Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!”
The post garnered over 429,000 likes and attracted thousands of well-wishes for Prince Harry in the comments. It marked the first public acknowledgment of Harry by the royal family’s official account since 2021.
The gesture comes during a time of strained relations between Prince Harry and the royal family following his and Meghan Markle’s departure from royal duties in 2020. Despite ongoing tensions, King Charles’ tribute was widely praised as a warm and positive overture.
Family milestones amid challenges
Earlier this year, Harry briefly reunited with his father in London following the King’s cancer diagnosis, which was publicly confirmed by Buckingham Palace in February. While their meeting was brief, it symbolized an effort to maintain some connection during a difficult time for the family.
Prince Harry also attended his uncle Lord Robert Fellowes’ funeral in August, where he crossed paths with his brother, Prince William, though the two reportedly did not engage in conversation.
Top moments on royal social media
King Charles’ birthday tribute to Harry was among the top posts on the royal Instagram account in 2024, reflecting the enduring public interest in the family dynamics.
The royal family’s Instagram has played a significant role in maintaining public engagement, offering glimpses of personal milestones and moments of resilience amid public challenges.
