Prince Harry Says He’s ‘Excited’ to Turn 40 in Birthday Message: ‘A Fresh Perspective on Life’

Prince Harry is getting ready to celebrate a milestone birthday!

The Duke of Sussex, who is set to turn 40 on Sunday, Sept. 15, has said he’s looking forward to welcoming in a new decade. “I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40,” he shared in a statement to the BBC.

“Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world,” Harry added in the statement released by his spokesperson.

Harry — who shares son Prince Archie, 5, and daughter Princess Lilibet, 3, with wife Meghan Markle — said his children have made him more “driven” in life.

“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,” he continued.

“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 added, according to the outlet.

Harry plans to celebrate his big day with Meghan, 42, and their children, followed by a gathering with close friends internationally, PEOPLE previously reported.

The Duke of Sussex — who celebrated his 30th birthday in 2014, the year after completing his second tour with the British army in Afghanistan — has been open about his ups and downs through the years, speaking out about his years of self-reflection in his best-selling 2023 memoir, Spare.

While speaking to PEOPLE via his spokesperson ahead of his upcoming birthday, Harry reiterated that fatherhood remains his top priority.

“The best gift I’ve ever been given is, without doubt, my kids. I enjoy watching them grow every single day and love being their dad,” Harry said.

As Harry steps into his forties, his work with his and Meghan’s non-profit organization, the Archewell Foundation, will continue. A series of entertainment projects through their Netflix deal are also underway, including an upcoming documentary series centered on his love for polo, which is set to air in December.

On Sept. 9, Netflix shared some snaps from the docuseries on X (formerly known as Twitter), telling fans that the release will follow “elite global players” and will offer “an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced world of the sport.”

Harry’s focus also remains on keeping his family of four safe following the 1997 death of his mother, Princess Diana.

A friend recently told PEOPLE, “Harry has been reluctant to show his children publicly, not out of a desire to hide them but to protect their privacy and safety from potential threats.”

“He wants them to lead as normal a life as possible without the fear of kidnapping or harm,” they added.

The friend continued, “As a dad and husband, Harry is determined to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself.”

Despite growing speculation suggesting Harry has been seeking a return to royal life after he and Meghan stepped back as senior royals in 2020, PEOPLE reported earlier this month that that wasn’t the case, and that he’s happy with his life in California.