Prince Harry Celebrates 39th Birthday With Invictus Family and a Night Out on the Town

Andrew Wright | September 15th, 2023

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the Time Trial & Criterium Cycling at the Cycling Track during day six of the Invictus Games Düsseldorf. Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation

Prince Harry’s 39th birthday isn’t a milestone, but the celebrations for the royal certainly had that vibe.

While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, 42, were watching the sitting volleyball game between Poland and Germany on Friday, spectators and competitors surprised the prince with a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

Prince Harry smiled and gave a thumbs up to the crowd.

Harry and Meghan later took to the court to mingle with the competitors, one of which shook Harry’s hand and thanked him for his work.

“You’re a great person,” he can be heard saying in a video of the exchange.

In recent days, the pair have taken in a number of matches at the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany. Prince Harry, who served in the British Army for 10 years, was instrumental in launching the multi-sport international competition for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, an endeavour that has become his signature cause.

Invictus Games organizers also paid tribute to Harry on X (formerly known as Twitter):

“From all of us at the @InvictusGamesDE, a heartfelt HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the founder and patron of @WeAreInvictus, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex. You’ve given hope, inspired millions and never stop putting a smile on peoples faces,” the organization wrote along with a photo of Harry at the Games.

Royal watchers will notice the royal family has yet to wish Harry a happy birthday on social media. Since King Charles acceded to the throne last year, such birthday tributes have reportedly been reserved for working members of the royal family and some of their children.

The royal family didn’t wish Meghan a happy birthday this past August on any of their official social media channels.

Prince Harry and Meghan, stepped back from their senior royal roles in 2020, relocating to California later that year.

Regardless, the non-working royal status seems to have its perks.

The duke and duchess and their staff celebrated the night before with an evening at the Brauerei Schumacher restaurant, where the duke reportedly indulged in Weiner Schnitzel, blood sausage, German sausages, plenty of beer (6 half pints according to one source) and cake.

While patrons were asked not to take photographs of Harry and Meghan, members of the restaurant’s staff managed to get a snap with the royal couple, which they shared to their social media.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry appears to be enjoying his time with his fellow veterans.

U.S. Air Force veteran Chief Master Sgt. Garrett Kuwada, who is competing in wheelchair rugby, swimming and track and field, recalled a playful exchange with Harry, where the prince grabbed his beard and gave it a shake.

“That was awesome,” he told People. “He’s a veteran, and like all vets, when we get together, we talk, laugh, joke and tease each other. He’s just like one of the guys, it was an amazing experience.

“He makes you feel like you’ve known him forever.”

‘Heart of Invictus’: Netflix Releases First Trailer for Prince Harry’s Invictus Games Docuseries

Prince Harry’s Trial Against Murdoch Tabloids to Go Ahead, but Hacking Claims Too Old