Argentine polo player Nacho Figueras posted an affectionate Instagram tribute Monday to Prince Harry as the Duke of Sussex marked his 41st birthday in Montecito, California.
Figueras, a close friend of the prince for years and a frequent teammate on the polo field, shared a beaming photo of himself and Harry celebrating a 2022 win, simply writing "Happy Birthday" beneath the image. The post was among several public acknowledgments of the day, including a tribute from Harry's wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
Meghan posted a photograph of Harry that was released by the palace on the occasion of his 31st birthday in 2015, showing the then-prince at an official engagement at Goodwood Aerodrome. The Royal Family's official social media accounts did not publish birthday messages for Harry, a practice that aligns with tradition for royals who are not carrying out official duties.
Supporters of the Sussexes were active online under the trending hashtag #HappyBirthdayPrinceHarry on X, formerly Twitter, posting messages that celebrated Harry as a husband, father and supporter of veterans and children. One post called him "a great advocate for veterans, children and people in need," while others sent wishes for a day "filled with love, laughter & purpose."
Figueras, who has been described by media outlets as a close friend and a "polo brother" to Harry, has publicly discussed their friendship for more than a decade. The two have played together at charity matches and Figueras was a guest at Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018. In interviews he has defended the prince, telling U.S. television audiences in 2019 that he would "defend his friends" with his life, and telling Town & Country magazine that he admires how "real" Harry is and his commitment to improving life for disadvantaged children.
The polo player has also spoken kindly of Meghan, calling her "incredible" and noting her sacrifices in the couple's Netflix documentary. Figueras recounted moments from the early days of Harry and Meghan's relationship, saying that after a first date in 2017 Harry told him and his wife that he had met someone and believed "this might be the one."
Harry celebrated his birthday in Montecito after returning to the United States following a four-day visit to the United Kingdom. A spokesman for the duke said he "loved" being back in the U.K., where he visited charities and met with colleagues and friends. The trip included a reunion with his father, King Charles III, their first in 19 months, and a visit to a charity founded in memory of Princess Diana.
During the U.K. visit, Harry spoke to The Guardian in Kyiv and defended his decision to publish his 2023 memoir Spare, saying the book represented "a series of corrections to stories already out there" and that his conscience was clear. In the interview he said the book was not intended as revenge but as a matter of accountability and described advice from Meghan to "just stick to the truth." Spare, a 416-page memoir, became the fastest-selling non-fiction book in U.K. history and included detailed and contested accounts of disputes within the royal family.
The public birthday messages and tributes reflect enduring interest in Harry's personal relationships and public life since his departure from senior royal duties. Figueras's post recalled their bond on the polo field, a setting where the duke has frequently combined sport with charitable fundraising and public engagement.
Figueras and Harry have continued to appear together at polo events; last year they took part in matches benefiting charities, including Sentebale, which the duke co-founded. Figueras has repeatedly praised Harry's generosity and dedication to causes, and his recent birthday post reinforced their long-standing friendship.
Harry, who has two children with Meghan, has kept a mix of private family time and public engagements since relocating to California with his family. Monday's tributes from close friends and supporters underscored that circle even as official royal channels remained silent in keeping with convention for non-working royals.