Ahead of Prince Harry’s milestone 40th birthday, one of his and Meghan Markle’s friends, who has visited them at their Montecito home, has lifted the lid on what he’s really like when at home

One of Prince Harry’s pals has lifted the lid on what she believes he’s really like ahead of his 40th birthday.

Journalist Bryony Gordon counts both Harry and Meghan Markle as friends, visiting them at their home in Montecito last year and even being invited to their previous UK home of Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor estate. She’s also conducted several high-profile interviews with the Duke of Sussex including one very revealing chat ahead of the release of his controversial memoir, Spare. And now ahead of his landmark birthday on Sunday, she has revealed her experiences of spending time with them.

Writing in the Daily Mail, she says that having being pals for around eight years, many people ask her what he is really like and are curious about his true character. And she explained: “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.”

She also reveals that when she last visited them in California, she spent the afternoon at their house while Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet ran around happily, with Harry showing off a photo wall he’d created while Meghan gave her a pot of jam.

Harry with wife Meghan Markle – Journalist Bryony Gordon – a friend of Harry and Meghan

She added: “I was reminded of the fact that they are a pretty ­ordinary ­couple existing in an absolutely ­extraordinary situation. There are no airs or graces with them, no desire to do anything other than protect their children from an increasingly digital world that likes nothing more than seeing the worst in people.

“A world that forgets that no ­matter how high profile a person is, they’re just doing their best, like everyone else.” It comes as Harry has insisted he is ‘excited’ about turning 40 as he prepares to celebrate this birthday with friends. In a statement issued to the BBC, he 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.

“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.”

Harry is set to spend the day with his two childre as well as wife Meghan. He is said to have planned a holiday with friends afterwards to mark the age. Following his birthday celebrations, the Duke will visit New York City later this month to promote several projects close to his heart, including the organisation behind Princess Diana’s Legacy Award.

He is also focused on his work with his Archewell Foundation, the non-profit he co-founded with Meghan, and a series of entertainment projects through their Netflix deal, including an upcoming documentary airing in December thats centred on his passion for polo.