Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend tennis tournament as part of duke's birthday celebrations

​​Harry and Meghan attended the tennis tournament
Harry and Meghan attended the tennis tournament
PA
George Bunn

By George Bunn


Published: 16/09/2024

- 09:51

The couple were praised for their 'commitment to community and to friendship'

Prince Harry celebrated his 40th birthday weekend by attending a charity tennis tournament in Los Angeles with his wife, Meghan Markle.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a special appearance at the George Zajfen Tennis Tournament on Saturday, September 14 the day before Harry's milestone birthday.


The event benefited the Alliance for Children's Rights, honouring Kelly McKee Zajfen's late son.

The tournament, sponsored by the Sussexes' Archewell Foundation, featured a round-robin doubles competition and a luncheon to raise funds for young people in foster care.

Harry and Meghan were photographed posing with the Zajfen family on the tennis court, with the Duke sporting a white T-shirt and blazer, while the Duchess wore a tan button-up dress.

The couple exchanged hugs with Zajfen and engaged in conversations during the "incredible day".Kelly McKee Zajfen expressed her gratitude to the Sussexes in an Instagram post on Sunday, September 15.

She wrote: "To our Presenting Sponsors, The Archewell Foundation. Harry and Meghan, you have been such a guiding light for our family not just in the way you have shown up in friendship but how you have shown up through the incredible work The Archewell Foundation does everyday."

Zajfen added: "I'm in awe of your commitment to community and to friendship. On behalf of the Alliance for Children's Rights, we thank you. On behalf of our family, we love you."

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\u200b\u200bHarry and Meghan attended the tennis tournament

Harry and Meghan attended the tennis tournament

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She also wished Harry a happy 40th birthday, saying: "Extra special day too…HAPPY 40th Birthday H! May this trip around the sun be the best yet."

The event raised funds to support children in foster care, ensuring they receive legal protections, resources, and opportunities.

Prince Harry recently reflected on entering his forties in a statement to the BBC. He said, "I was anxious about 30, I'm excited about 40."

The Duke emphasised his ongoing commitment to making a positive impact, stating, "Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world."

Prince ArchiePrince Archie with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2019Getty

The Duke's focus on fatherhood was evident in his comments to PEOPLE via a spokesperson.

He declared, "The best gift I've ever been given is, without doubt, my kids." The proud father added, "I enjoy watching them grow every single day and love being their dad."

The Duke highlighted how parenthood has influenced his perspective, saying, "Being a dad is one of life's greatest joys and has only made me more driven and more committed to making this world a better place."

Following his birthday celebrations, Harry is set to travel to New York City to work on projects close to his heart, including his mother Princess Diana's legacy award.

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