Prince Harry is marking his 42nd birthday on Tuesday without recognition from the official royal family social media accounts, though he remains active in public engagements throughout the month. His office announced a series of appearances planned for September, including events such as a pickleball game with schoolchildren and a meeting in New York alongside Bill and Hillary Clinton. A key highlight will be his attendance at the WellChild awards in London, continuing his role as patron of the charity.

The absence of formal acknowledgment by the royal family coincides with recent clarity from Buckingham Palace regarding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s status. Last week, the King directed the lord chamberlain, Richard Benyon, to send letters to senior military and government figures reinforcing that Harry and Meghan retain their HRH titles “in abeyance” and do not use them. The letter described their position as “akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests,” emphasizing their separation from official royal duties.

The Sussexes reportedly expressed surprise at the letter. The timing followed Uganda’s announcement to withdraw from hosting the Invictus Games, an international adaptive sports event founded by Prince Harry. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, commander of Uganda’s armed forces and son of the President, cited a desire to “quash” what he called “Harry-Meghan nonsense” within his ranks and indicated support for the King’s stance. A source close to Harry attributed the fallout to the lord chamberlain’s guidance, saying the resulting harm would primarily affect the Invictus Games competitors.

In response to suggestions that they have returned to private life, representatives for the Sussexes disputed the characterization. They argued it is unrealistic for Harry and Meghan to live as ordinary private citizens, given their high public profiles. “Members of the public know who they are,” a source told a media outlet, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny faced by the couple despite their official separation from royal responsibilities.

The developments underscore the continuing complexities in the relationship between the Sussexes and the royal institution, as well as the broader implications for associated charitable initiatives.