UK Royal Social Media Accounts Offer Birthday Wishes to Prince Harry

Britain's Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, waves during the Formula One US Grand Prix auto race at Circuit of the Americas, on Oct. 22, 2023, in Austin, Texas. (AP)
Britain's Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, waves during the Formula One US Grand Prix auto race at Circuit of the Americas, on Oct. 22, 2023, in Austin, Texas. (AP)
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UK Royal Social Media Accounts Offer Birthday Wishes to Prince Harry

Britain's Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, waves during the Formula One US Grand Prix auto race at Circuit of the Americas, on Oct. 22, 2023, in Austin, Texas. (AP)
Britain's Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, waves during the Formula One US Grand Prix auto race at Circuit of the Americas, on Oct. 22, 2023, in Austin, Texas. (AP)

Britain’s royal social media accounts posted 40th birthday wishes Sunday for Prince Harry, marking the milestone celebration despite longstanding strains following the publication of his explosive memoir, “Spare.”

The Royal Family site shared an image of a beaming Harry with a birthday cake emoji and the caption “Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!” The Prince and Princess of Wales shared the image, adding their own birthday wishes.

The post from the royal family account marked the first public birthday message for Harry since 2021.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they were giving up royal duties in January, 2020. They moved to America and said they hoped to become financially independent, signing lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify.

Harry famously shared his story in the memoir, “Spare.” In the ghostwritten book, Harry recounted his grief at the death of Princess Diana, a fight with Prince William and his unease with life in the royal shadow of his elder brother.



'Amphibious Mouse' among 27 New Species Discovered in Peru's Amazon

A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
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'Amphibious Mouse' among 27 New Species Discovered in Peru's Amazon

A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS

An "amphibious mouse" with partially webbed feet that eats aquatic insects was among 27 new species discovered during a 2022 expedition to Peru's Amazon, according to Conservation International.

Scientists also discovered a spiny mouse, a squirrel, eight types of fish, three amphibians and 10 types of butterflies, Trond Larsen, head of Conservation International's Rapid Assessment Program, told Reuters this week.

He added that another 48 species found by investigators were potentially new, but needed further study.

The new species were found in Alto Mayo, a protected area with several ecosystems, Indigenous territories and villages.

"Discovering so many new species of mammals and vertebrates is really incredible, especially in such a human-influenced landscape as Alto Mayo," Larsen said.

The expedition between June and July 2022 was made up of 13 scientists plus local technicians and members of Indigenous groups.

"It was really fantastic to work so closely with the Awajun people. They have extensive traditional knowledge about the forests, animals and plants they live side-by-side with," Larsen said.

Among the new species, Larsen highlighted the spiny mouse that has stiff fur, the amphibious mouse, and a dwarf squirrel that measures 14 cm (5.5 in).

"(The squirrel) fits so easily in the palm of your hand. Adorable and beautiful chestnut-brown color, very fast," Larsen said. "It jumps quickly and hides in the trees."

Another favorite discovery was the blob-headed fish, a type of armored catfish, he said.

A total of 2,046 species were recorded during the 38-day expedition using camera traps, bioacoustic sensors and DNA sampling. Among them, 49 were classified as threatened, including the yellow-tailed woolly monkey and the tree monkey.

Larsen said the discoveries reinforced the need to protect the area.

"Unless steps are taken now to safeguard these sites and help restore parts of the landscape ... there's a strong chance they won't persist in the long term," Larsen said.