William and Kate donate to ransacked foodbank as Harry ‘excited’ to turn 40 – live

King Charles is set to reach out to Prince Harry on his 40th birthday in a very modern break with tradition, according to reports.

Speaking to the Daily Express, a “well-placed” source said that the King plans to catch his son, now in California, with a call on Skype organised by staff as soon as he wakes up.

The insider said: “The King will reach out to Harry on his birthday. Although the family are not as close as they once were, there is still a lot of love there.

“They tend to use Skype when they communicate because they can see each other and it’s all set up by staff so it runs smoothly.”

New details have emerged about Prince Harry’s alleged birthday getaway with friends in California.

The Duke of Sussex, 39, will celebrate his milestone 40th birthday on Sunday (15 September) and is said to be having a low key celebration with his family.

“The Cold Spring Trail has lots of streams and pools which people regularly take a dip in,” they said. “But there are also lots of snakes and other wildlife to contend with, like large cats.

“Harry and his friends will truly experience the outdoors as they take on one of the long hikes. Let’s hope he’s taking an experienced guide with him.”

An insider has claimed that Prince Harry will involve King Charles in his 40th birthday celebrations this weekend despite his strained relationship with the royal family.

The insider told News International: “Harry could send a video of Archie and Lilibet’s celebrations to King Charles.”

Another source added: “King Charles still loves his estranged son even after Harry’s claims against the royal family. He will send a private message to the Duke on his big day.”

The duke is reported to be having a “low key” celebration with his family in California on the big day itself (15 September) before enjoying a “weekend getaway” with friends.

The Duke of Sussex has said becoming a father has given him a fresh perspective on life as he turns 40 tomorrow.

In a statement, 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”.

He added: “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,” the prince said in a statement released by his spokesperson.

“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.”

He plans to celebrate his 40th birthday on Sunday with his family in California, before heading off on a break with a group of his closest friends.

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The Prince and Princess of Wales have donated to a south London food bank after thieves raided its warehouse.

Workers arrived at Southwark Foodbank’s warehouse in Peckham to find empty shelves after burglars stole thousands of pounds worth of goods in the early hours of Sunday, the food bank said.

William and Kate donated £3,500 to charity Pecan after hearing about the theft, which will cover the costs of the goods stolen and the damage caused, the food bank added.

Peter Edwards, chief executive of Pecan, said: “This surprise donation by the Prince and Princess of Wales – following such a difficult spell for their family – underlines their kindness and decency.

“After serious ill health their first thought was of how to help others.

“Their generosity will inspire staff and volunteers to redouble Pecan’s efforts to alleviate poverty in London.”

The Prince of Wales  told new RAF officers the country will be relying on them to deal with “future threats” during the present “time of change and uncertainty”.

William spoke during the graduation ceremony of more than 50 officers who have completed their training at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell.

The prince knows RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire well, as he trained at the air force base, flying solo for the first time and later received his wings from his father during a ceremony in 2008.

He remained in the RAF for much of his active military career going on to fly as a helicopter pilot in the RAF Search and Rescue Force before becoming an air ambulance helicopter pilot.

The princess has finished chemotherapy but said her “path to healing and full recovery is long”: