As Prince Harry approaches his milestone 40th birthday this Sunday, the Duke of Sussex has issued a heartfelt statement, sharing his excitement for the decade ahead and reflecting on his journey as a father.

Harry, who will be celebrating with his family in California before heading off for a getaway with close friends, expressed a shift in his mindset as he nears 40. “I was anxious about 30, but I’m excited about 40,” he remarked. “Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world.”

The Duke emphasized the joy and responsibility of being a father to his two children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3. “Becoming a father has given me a fresh perspective on life and sharpened my focus on all my work,” he said. “Being a dad is one of life’s greatest joys and has only made me more driven and committed to making this world a better place.”

Prince Harry, who has seen significant changes over the past decade, from his time in the British Army to his departure from royal duties, is looking forward with optimism. His statement concluded with enthusiasm: “Bring on the next decade.”

Reflecting on his past, Harry has openly discussed his struggles following his military service in Afghanistan, particularly with mental health challenges. However, the Duke channeled his experiences into founding the Invictus Games in 2014, a project he describes as one of his proudest achievements. The Invictus Games, which provides support and recognition to wounded servicemen and women, will return to the UK in 2027, hosted in Birmingham.

As Harry turns 40, his continued dedication to both his family and philanthropic efforts signals an unwavering commitment to his values and goals in the years to come.