Why Prince Harry was upset by sweet birthday photos of Princess Charlotte posted by Kate Middleton and William: report

Prince Harry is reportedly “sad” that his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, aren’t closer to their family in the UK after seeing Princess Charlotte’s 11th birthday photos.

“Archie and Lili are having a lovely time in California, but Harry is very sad that they are missing out on life with the rest of their family,” an old pal of the Duke of Sussex alleged to Daily Mail journalist Richard Eden.

“Harry feels his children are missing out on the extensive family network that their cousins are enjoying,” the friend explained, referring to Harry’s estranged brother, Prince William, and Kate Middleton’s kids — Prince George, 12, Charlotte and Prince Louis, 8, who all attend the Lambrook School in England.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with their children, Archie and Lilibet, on a small bridge over a stream.
Prince Harry (seen above with his family) is reportedly “sad” his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, aren’t closer to their family in the UK after seeing Princess Charlotte’s 11th birthday photos.meghan/Instagram

Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte attend a Christmas Morning Service.
“Harry feels his children are missing out on the extensive family network that their cousins are enjoying,” an old pal of the Duke of Sussex told the Daily Mail.Samir Hussein/WireImage
The pal allegedly claimed that Harry wants Archie, 7, and Lili, 4, to have “the very best education.”

“He has retained his closest friendship group of confidants from his days at school at Ludgrove and Eton. He wants that for his own children,” the friend alleged to the outlet.

Page Six has reached out to Harry’s rep, who refused to “comment on private family matters.”

Prince Harry holding Lilibet, who is holding a bunch of red balloons.
The pal allegedly claimed that Harry wants Archie, 7, and Lili (seen above with her dad), 4, to have “the very best education.”meghan/Instagram

Princess Charlotte, Prince George, and Prince Louis walking during the military procession for the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s kids (seen above in 2025) — Prince George, 12, Charlotte and Prince Louis, 8 — all attend the Lambrook School in England.UK Press via Getty Images
Last week, William, 43, and Middleton, 44, shared a new portrait and a never-before-seen video of Charlotte in honor of her 11th birthday.

The image showed the princess in a field of flowers wearing a black-and-red striped sweater and jeans.

“Wishing Charlotte a very happy 11th birthday! 🎂,” the Waleses captioned the post.

Princess Charlotte smiling among daisies.
Last week, Kate and William shared a new portrait of Charlotte (as seen above) in honor of her turning 11.princeandprincessofwales/Instagram

Princess Charlotte smiling and holding a brown dog on a boat with a beach in the background.
They also posted a never-before-seen video of the princess playing with her dogs (as seen above).princeandprincessofwales/Instagram
William and his wife also shared a never-before-seen video of their only daughter enjoying a day out on the beach with their English Cocker Spaniels.

“Thank you for the lovely birthday messages for Princess Charlotte, 11 today!” the couple wrote alongside the clip of the pre-teen.

Meanwhile, Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, have been raising their kids in North America since they quit their roles as senior royals in 2020.

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children, Archie and Lilibet, at Disneyland.
Harry (seen above with his family) and his wife, Meghan Markle, have been raising their kids in North America since they quit the royal family in 2020.meghan/Instagram

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, watch a flypast.
Harry (seen above with Markle, William and Middleton in 2018) has been estranged from his brother and their dad, King Charles III.Getty Images

Princes Harry, Charles, and William walk together at the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference.
The “Spare” author (seen above with his dad and his brother in 2014) met with Charles in September 2025 for a “private tea.”Getty Images
The family of four currently resides in a $14 million home in Montecito, California.

The Invictus Games founder has been estranged from his brother, William, and their dad, King Charles III, since moving away from the royal family.

Harry has been working to reconcile with his family, though, and met with Charles, 77, in September 2025 for a “private tea.”