Prince Harry’s friend has claimed that people are always disappointed when she tells them that the Duke of Sussex is “pretty damn normal”.

Writer and mental health advocate Bryony Gordon explained that the pair struck up a friendship around eight years ago, and she has received many questions about the duke’s character ever since.

She told the MailOnline: “When I tell them my honest opinion, that he is kind, funny and pretty damn normal, all things considered, I often see a flash of disappointment cloud their faces, followed quickly by words to the effect of ‘well, you would say that, you know him,’ as if knowing someone should disqualify you from having a trusted opinion about them.

“I’ve heard a lot of fairly negative things said about him, character assassinations that bear no resemblance to the man I’ve come to count as a friend, the one who cares passionately about injured veterans, and who’s done more than most to change perceptions of mental health in [the UK].”

A British aristocrat has claimed that Prince Harry was “banned” by his wife Meghan Markle from having a large 40th birthday celebration.

The Duke of Sussex, 40, is said to have had a low-key celebration with his family on the day itself before he heads off on a weekend getaway in California with friends.

Lady Victoria Hervey claimed to GB News: “He wanted to do a big party and she did not want that.

“I think she’s so worried about him straying and seeing his old friends and spending time with them and remembering his old life, that she’s got him in this cage where all he knows is this life that he has with her.”

Harry turned 40 on Sunday, 15 September.

Prince William is set to visit the Scottish city of Aberdeen to raise awareness of the homelessness sector.

As part of the visit, he will meet with staff at the city’s Shelter Scotland offices to learn more about how homeless people and those at risk of homelessness are being supported.

It read: “My wife and I are profoundly saddened to see the destruction and devastation caused by the catastrophic flooding in Central Europe.

“Many people in the United Kingdom have strong, enduring ties to the region and, together with them, my wife and I send our deepest condolences.”

Harry, who turned 40 on Sunday, recently told ITV that he will not bring the duchess to the UK because he fears “a knife or acid” attack.

The Times said that he is therefore thought to be travelling alone to the WellChild Awards on 30 September.

In his capacity as patron, he is scheduled to present an award and give a speech.

The Duke of Sussex is unlikely to see his father King Charles when he travels to the UK at the end of the month for the WellChild Awards.

The monarch has a prior engagement in Scotland marking the 25th anniversary of the Scottish parliament on 28 September and is believed to be spending an additional few days in the country.

Harry’s event, which he is attending in his capacity as patron, is taking place on 30 September.

The father and son have not seen each other since February, when Harry flew to the UK following the announcement of the monarch’s cancer diagnosis. They met for a reported 45 minutes.

Prince William has paid tribute to the “legend of rugby league” Rob Burrow in a foreword to a new memoir penned by his wife Lindsey.

The sporting star, 41, passed away from motor neurone disease (MND) in June after spending the past two years raising awareness of the devastating illness.

A promotional statement about the book read: “Take Care: A Memoir of Love, Family & Never Giving Up explores the deepest reserves of resilience, personal sacrifice and hope that Lindsey Burrow exhibited on a daily basis when her family’s life was upended by the terminal MND diagnosis.

“Juggling her day job for the NHS as a physiotherapist, with round-the-clock care for Rob, who couldn’t move or talk, and could only eat with Lindsey’s assistance, she simultaneously raised her brilliant young family and helped to raise awareness for MND.”

In a post shared to Twitter/X, it was revealed that the messages came from all over the world.

“Thank you to everyone who has written to the Royal Family in the past year,” the post read. “To find out more about our Correspondence Team, visit http://Royal.uk.”

Harry, who turned 40 on Sunday (15 September), will attend in his capacity as a patron of the charity, which supports seriously ill British children and young people.

He said in a statement: “I am once again honoured to attend this year’s WellChild Awards celebrating the remarkable courage and achievements of children living with complex medical needs.

“These incredible young people, along with the dedicated caregivers, nurses, and professionals who tirelessly support them, inspire us all. It is a true privilege to recognise such extraordinary individuals.”

The MailOnline reports that Harry will give a speech at the event and present the Award for Inspirational Child (aged four to six).

Making yesterday’s National Voter Registration Day, they released a joint statement on the Archewell Foundation’s website, explaining that they had written letters to unregistered votes encouraging them to make their voices heard.

It read: “In honour of National Voter Registration Day, The Archewell Foundation team came together for a meaningful volunteer activity to support and empower our communities.

“Using Vote Forward’s impactful letter-writing tool, our team wrote personalised letters encouraging unregistered voters to take a crucial step: registering to vote.”

The former working royals added: “Voting is not just a right; it’s a fundamental way to influence the fate of our communities.

“At The Archewell Foundation, we recognise that civic engagement, no matter one’s political party, is at the heart of a more just and equitable world. By participating in initiatives like this, we aim to amplify the message that every voice matters.

“Together, let’s make sure every eligible voter is informed and empowered to participate in shaping America’s future.”

The couple moved to California in 2020 after stepping down from their previous roles in the British royal family.