Press Association via AP ImagePrince Harry is taking his birthday to new heights!
The royal younger brother of Prince William celebrated his 31st birthday Tuesday surrounded by nearly 40 Spitfire, Hurricane and Blenheim jet planes, just a few of the many used by the Royal Air Force during World War II. In fact, the last time the rare warcraft were seen in the same area in such high numbers was during the war itself, according to The Telegraph.
The event launched at the Goodwood Aerodrome in West Essex, the same site where Prince Harry launched his Endeavor Fund in 2014 to provide funding to wounded and ill servicemen and women.
Unfortunately, it wasn't all fun and games for the birthday boy. The event, which marks the royal's first royal occasion back in the United Kingdom after a summer of conservation work in Africa, went sour quickly. Prince Harry had planned to take to the clouds for a flypast alongside veterans and wounded servicemen in remembrance of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
However, because of poor weather conditions, he forfeited his seat to the last living Royal Air Force ace, Tom Neil, 95, and two former soldiers after the plane he was scheduled to take broke down, according to the Daily Mail.
Still, the birthday celebrations weren't a complete bust. It looks like Duchess Kate Middleton isn't the only member of the royal family to spice up their style. Social media quickly caught on to the former bad boy's rare tan and very hairy face. His rugged ginger beard has been such a hit since his trip to Africa that it has inspired a new fake Twitter account called "Prince Harry's Beard." Combined with the sexy green regulation khaki overalls, royal admirers around the world have gone ga-ga.
While the youngest son of the late Princess Diana didn't make it up to the clouds today, he will be joining his brother and sister-in-law, Prince William and Duchess Kate, later this week for the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup.
Until then, we hope all his birthday wishes come true.