Prince Harry marked his 40th birthday weekend by attending a charity tennis tournament in honor of one of Meghan Markle’s closest friends.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were seen at the George Zajfen Tennis Tournament in Los Angeles on Saturday, held in memory of Kelly McKee Zajfen’s late son, George.
The event, organized by the Alliance for Children’s Rights, honored George, who tragically passed away at the age of nine in July 2022 after being found unresponsive at home.
Meghan is known to be close friends with Kelly McKee Zajfen, co-founder of an alliance that supports pregnant and parenting teens in Los Angeles’ foster care system.
In an Instagram post shared on Harry’s birthday, Zajfen and her family expressed gratitude to the Sussexes for their support at Saturday’s tennis tournament.
Alongside five photos, Zajfen concluded a heartfelt message with: “Extra special day too… HAPPY 40th Birthday H! May this trip around the sun be the best yet.”
Celebrities in attendance included Property Brothers star Jonathan Scott, New Girl actress Zooey Deschanel, Scrubs actor Zach Braff, and Meghan’s former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer, according to People.
(From left) Meghan Markle, Kelly McKee Zajfen, her daughter Lily, her husband Julian, and Prince Harry at the George Zajfen Tennis Tournament in Los Angeles on Saturday.
Harry embraced Kelly McKee Zajfen, while Meghan hugged Julian during the tennis tournament on Saturday.
The post featured photos of the Duke and Duchess posing with the Zajfen family — Harry in a T-shirt and blazer, and Meghan in a tan dress.
The Zajfen family described the event as an “incredible day—full of emotions and lots of love,” noting that the funds raised would “go directly to supporting children in foster care, ensuring they have the legal protections, resources, and opportunities they deserve in honor of our beautiful son Georgie.”
Their message continued: “Our community showed up in a big way, and I’m in awe! Get ready for days of posting images from this magical afternoon because I have so many people to thank and shout from the rooftops just how amazing you all are!”
They also gave a special mention to the event’s presenting sponsors, the Archewell Foundation, adding: “Harry and Meghan, you have been such a guiding light for our family—not only through your friendship but through the incredible work the Archewell Foundation does every day.”
Meghan embraced her close friend Kelly McKee Zajfen at the charity tennis tournament on Saturday.
Alex Romain (left), chair of the Alliance for Children’s Rights, joined Meghan (center), Kelly McKee Zajfen (second from right), and Prince Harry (far right) at the tournament on Saturday.
Kelly McKee Zajfen and her family celebrated Harry’s 40th birthday with a heartfelt Instagram post:
“I’m amazed by your dedication to both community and friendship. Thank you from the Alliance for Children’s Rights, and with all our love from our family.”
The tournament, held for 20 years and recently renamed to honor George, featured a round-robin doubles competition and a luncheon.
Since George’s passing, the Duchess has been a steadfast source of support for Zajfen, who has previously praised Meghan as an “incredible friend and mother,” noting that she is always the first to offer help and support to those she loves.
Harry, who now resides in California after stepping down from the working monarchy, celebrated his birthday yesterday with Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. He is reported to be heading off for a gathering with close friends.
Meanwhile, Prince William and Kate extended their birthday wishes to Harry via social media.
George Zajfen, shown here with his mother Kelly McKee Zajfen, passed away at the age of nine in July 2022.
The Prince and Princess of Wales shared a previous Royal Family post on X and added their own message: “Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex!”
Given the ongoing tensions between the brothers, some might find the post surprising. The estrangement between Harry and his family shows no signs of easing, and his relationship with his father, the King, remains strained.
The Royal Family account’s post from earlier yesterday marked the first public birthday message for Harry since 2021. It read: “Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!”
The message included a photo of a smiling Harry and a birthday cake emoji. The image, taken during a 2018 visit to a start-up in Dublin when Harry was still a working royal, features him alone, as Meghan, who was present at the event, was cropped out.
Meghan has been a source of support for Kelly McKee Zajfen (pictured together) following the death of her son, George.
As Harry begins his fifth decade, it comes amidst a tumultuous year for the royal family, which has seen both the King and the Princess of Wales diagnosed with cancer.
When the King’s unexpected health news broke in February, Harry rushed across the Atlantic to visit him, but their meeting was limited to just 45 minutes.
In comments shared with the BBC, the Duke of Sussex mentioned, “I was anxious about turning 30, but I’m excited about 40,” and reflected on how fatherhood has given him a renewed sense of purpose to improve the world.
Over the past year, Harry has explored new experiences, including trying out skeleton bobsledding with Invictus Games competitors in Canada and undertaking quasi-royal tours in Colombia and Nigeria.
In Colombia, Meghan spoke on a panel about Afro-Descendant Women and Power, and shared that their three-year-old daughter, Lili, has “absolutely found her voice.”
Prince Harry received a happy 40th birthday message from Prince William and Kate yesterday
The Royal Family’s official X account also shared a birthday greeting for the Duke earlier.
Additionally, the couple has revamped their Archewell website, rebranding it as Sussex.com under the new title, The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
In May, Harry traveled to London to mark a decade of the Invictus Games and attended a service at St Paul’s Cathedral, though he did not meet with his brother or father during the visit.
Birmingham has been awarded the bid to host the sporting event in 2027. The Duke congratulated the city on its success and is expected to attend the games in the UK three years from now.
In July, Harry was honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service by ESPN for leveraging his platform to “change the world.” However, Tillman’s mother, Mary, reportedly expressed her surprise at the award being given to someone she views as “controversial and divisive.”
The photo selected of Harry, taken during his time as a working royal in 2018, shows him visiting a start-up in Dublin with Meghan by his side. (See the original photo.)
In his speech, Harry lauded Mrs. Tillman, stating: “Her dedication to Pat’s legacy is profoundly personal and commands my deep respect. The bond between a mother and son is eternal and endures even the greatest of losses.”
Meanwhile, The Sunday Times reported that Harry’s legal dispute with the Home Office regarding his security in the UK has left the King feeling ‘frustrated.’
In February, Harry lost a High Court challenge against the Home Office over its decision to alter his personal security level during UK visits, but he has been granted permission to appeal.
During the case, the court heard that Harry believes his children cannot truly ‘feel at home’ in the UK if their safety cannot be guaranteed. He also argued that he faces a higher risk than his late mother due to ‘additional layers of racism and extremism.’
In other news, Meghan has launched a new venture with the soft debut of her brand, American Riviera Orchard. She began by sending limited edition strawberry jam to friends, though the business has encountered challenges with its trademarking efforts.
Meanwhile, The Sunday Times reported that Harry’s legal dispute with the Home Office regarding his security in the UK has left the King feeling ‘frustrated.’
In February, Harry lost a High Court challenge against the Home Office over its decision to alter his personal security level during UK visits, but he has been granted permission to appeal.
During the case, the court heard that Harry believes his children cannot truly ‘feel at home’ in the UK if their safety cannot be guaranteed. He also argued that he faces a higher risk than his late mother due to ‘additional layers of racism and extremism.’
In other news, Meghan has launched a new venture with the soft debut of her brand, American Riviera Orchard. She began by sending limited edition strawberry jam to friends, though the business has encountered challenges with its trademarking efforts.
Harry’s new Netflix documentary series exploring the world of polo is scheduled to premiere in December.
In August, the Duke made a brief return to the UK for the funeral of his uncle, Lord Fellowes. During this visit, he stayed at Althorp, the ancestral home of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
Reports suggest that he had no interaction with William during the church service.
Later this month, the Duke will travel to New York for various engagements on behalf of his Archewell Foundation. His itinerary includes activities with African Parks, The Halo Trust, The Diana Award, and Travalyst.
