When Prince Harry blew out the candles on his cake this month, he wasn’t just celebrating his 29th birthday - he was also toasting a milestone year. It’s been a life-changing 12 months for the royal, during which he’s emerged happier, more mature and an even more valuable member of the monarchy.

The trained Apache helicopter pilot successfully completed a gruelling four-month tour of Afghanistan. Since he returned from the frontlines, Harry has thrown himself into his royal duties. He renewed his dedication to his many organizations at home and abroad, notably flying to the African nation of Lesotho where his charity Sentebale is based. Plus, he expertly and effortlessly represented the Royal Family on a week-long tour of the United States this past May.

But perhaps the most poignant change to the prince’s life came in July when he became an uncle to Prince George, Prince William and Kate’s first child, a role he looks at with the utmost seriousness. “[My job] is to make sure he has a good upbringing. To keep him out of harm’s way – and to make sure he has fun!”

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Still young-at-heart, Harry seems to have found his happily ever after with his equally free-spirited love, girlfriend Cressida Bonas. “I think the romance is quite serious,” says our royal correspondent Judy Wade.

Still, insiders believe it may be a time before we can start counting down to a wedding. Until then, Harry has plenty to keep him occupied. In November, he is joining wounded servicemen in a walk to Antarctica as part of the Walking With the Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge.


Just another milestone he can add to his growing lists of accomplishment.