'Harry and Meghan, you have been such a guiding light for our family': Friend's moving tribute on duke's 40th
By Natalie Oliveri|
T?he Duke and Duchess of Sussex threw their support behind friends on Saturday by attending a charity tennis match which took place one day before Prince Harry's 40th birthday.
Prince Harry and Meghan were photographed at the George Zajfen Tennis Tournament on September 14 at the Los Angeles Tennis Club.
The event was held to benefit the Alliance for Children's Rights which supports children living in foster care.
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Created more than 20 years ago, the annual tournament was recently renamed to honour the memory of Kelly and Julian Zaifen's son, George, who died aged nine from COVID-19 and viral meningitis in July 2022.
At the time of the child's death, Meghan and Harry donated $5000 to a crowdfunding page made in George's honour. The donation was made under the name "Archie & Lilibet".
Meghan has been friends with Kelly for a number of years after meeting though the duchess's ex-husband, ?Trevor Engelson.
?Kelly shared a number of photos from Saturday's event on her Instagram page _heartmom_
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were pictured with ?Kelly and Julian and their daughter Lily, who was George's twin.
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Kelly thanked Prince Harry and Meghan for their ongoing support at the weekend and wished the duke a happy birthday.?
"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," she wrote.
"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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"Extra special day tooกญHAPPY 40th Birthday H! May this trip around the sun be the best yet."?
?Prince Harry reportedly spent his birthday on Sunday with friends at a private party in Montecito.
He then was expected to go on a trekking holiday in the Californian mountains with his closest friends, a birthday gift from Meghan.
In a statement to the BBC ahead of his milestone Prince Harry said: "I was anxious about 30, I'm excited about 40".
"Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world."?
Prince Harry also spoke about the importance of his children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.
"Becoming a father of two incredibly kind and funny kids has given me a fresh perspective on life, as well as sharpening my focus in all my work.
"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."
The office for King Charles and Queen Camilla, and that of the Prince and Princess of Wales, wished Prince Harry a happy birthday via their social media pages.
There had been speculation Meghan had been cropped from the photo chosen to accompany the message but the palace has since denied manipulating the photo.?
