The Royal Family has broken with recent precedent and wished Prince Harry a happy birthday with a post on social media.

The Duke of Sussex, who turns 40 today, is reportedly spending the day with Meghan Markle and his two children, five-year-old Archie and Lilibet, two. While today and Monday will be spent with friends and stateside family, the Prince has also been tipped for a face-to-face olive branch chat with his dad, King Charles III, and the Firm has already released its first message of celebration.

Posting on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday morning, the Royal Family's official account wished Harry a happy 40th birthday. While it wouldn't seem so unusual for the royals to send a message on a family member's birthday, the official account has not done so for Harry in some time.

READ MORE: Prince Harry 'relegated from royal heir to Meghan Markle's side-kick' ahead of milestone birthday

READ MORE: Prince William WON'T make birthday call to Prince Harry as key reason revealed - 'don't even speak'

The post said: "Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!" Only working royals usually get birthday wishes on the official Royal Family social media accounts.

The last time Harry got birthday wishes on the Royal Family account was three years ago in 2021 when the late Queen was still alive. The Prince and Princess of Wales' account last publicly sent him birthday wishes in the same year. His 40th birthday also presents a departure for the Prince, he told the BBC, as he feels "excited" about entering a new decade.

He told the broadcaster that being a dad and "sharpening my focus" were two things that have changed his perspective on the big day this year. Harry told the BBC: "I was anxious about 30, I'm excited about 40. Becoming a father of two incredibly kind and funny kids has given me a fresh perspective on life, as well as sharpening my focus in all my work. Being a dad is one of life's greatest joys and has only made me more driven and more committed to making this world a better place. Bring on the next decade."

Harry is expected to celebrate his 40th birthday with family and friends before spending some time away with a group of close pals, according to reports.

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Related

'Sometimes life can get too much': Rory McIlroy opens up about calling off his divorce earlier this year

How to watch Irish Open final round on TV as Rory McIlroy goes for glory

Royal Family breaks precedent with special 40th birthday message to Prince Harry

Donegal set for a bright and sunny afternoon and evening

'I did a DNA test for fun - then I discovered I'd been raising a stranger's son'

Woman applauded for walking out of job interview after spotting major red flag

Food safety inspectors share the four foods they steer clear of in grocery stores

Apple windfall is not the EuroMillions. We need to get a grip

What the Irish get up to on International Duty...

RUGBY'S NEXT CIVIL WAR?! | A BRITISH & IRISH LEAGUE??!

Irish People Try Panda Express for the First Time

Alopecia: New NHS drug 'could make life so much easier'