Prince Harry receives birthday gift with ties to the UK just days before he returns to London

Travalyst, the environmental tourism initiative co-founded by Prince Harry, celebrated its fifth anniversary in New York City on Tuesday.

CEO Sally Davey reflected on her collaboration with the Duke of Sussex, expressing gratitude for his commitment to sustainable travel.

"When I first met Harry, I felt frustrated and disillusioned about travel sustainability," Davey said at the event. "The issues seemed overwhelming. But from day one, he restored my hope."

Davey added: "He never imposed his own vision; instead, he said, 'Tell me what needs to happen, and I'll help facilitate that.' It wasn't about his campaigns, but about collaborating for systemic change."

The CEO also emphasised Harry's dedication, saying: "I realised how remarkable he is and how committed he is to making a difference."

Davey recalled her first meeting with the prince at Kensington Palace, saying: "I thought, 'Oh my God, this guy really knows his stuff. I'm going to have to up my game.'"

She highlighted several memorable moments in Travalyst's journey with Prince Harry, picking out bringing partners together in The Hague and at the Invictus Games, describing these as "truly special times".

Davey noted the improbability of organising the anniversary event just 10 weeks prior.

However, with the timing of NYC Climate Week and Harry's 40th birthday, they were determined to succeed.

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The Duke of Sussex turned 40 earlier this month on September 15th.

"People said we'd never pull it off - finding a venue, gathering attendees. Yet here we are, proving them wrong," Davey remarked. "It's been such an auspicious occasion."

The anniversary celebration also included a surprise birthday gift for Prince Harry.

Davey said: "We gave him a beautiful gift from a local artist in the UK, and he doesn't know it yet. He'll open it when he gets back home [from being] with us."