Happy Birthday, Harry

As Prince Harry turns 33, Juliet Rieden looks at what the future holds for the royal and his recent revelations about the passion and pain that drive him.

- Juliet Rieden

When you meet Prince Harry, the first thing that strikes you is his infectious energy. Harry is a doer, he make things happen and loves to take part. Next it’s his passion for people. Like both his parents, Harry takes time to chat. Even though there may be 100 in the room, the person he’s talking to feels like the only one. It’s a fantastic skill and one that will serve him well as his royal role shifts gear.

As he turns 33 on September 15, Prince Harry is set to take on more royal roles. Stepping into the void left by his grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh’s retirement from official duties, Harry will support his 91-year-old grandmother, the Queen, and help his brother, Prince William. The young royals are stretching their wings and moving centre stage as the House of Windsor redistributes the heavy lifting with a view to the future.

Also in Harry’s future, the world is hanging out for a wedding. In August, he took his girlfriend Meghan Markle on a romantic holiday to Botswana to celebrate her 36th birthday. Many wondered if Harry might have popped the question on the break and ever since the British tabloids have suggested an engagement is imminent.