Prince Harry leaves wife Meghan and her new Hollywood BFF Melissa McCarthy in giggles

Prince Harry was once dubbed the Royal Family’s ‘resident joker’. And he proved he hasn’t lost his sense of humour when he made a cameo appearance in wife Meghan Markle’s new 40th birthday video.

The Duchess of Sussex today celebrated her milestone birthday by announcing a new initiative to help women back into work in a film featuring Hollywood star Melissa McCarthy – and a comedy turn by her husband. 

Speaking in a video shared on the Archewell website, Meghan couldn’t stop giggling as the Bridesmaids actress, believed to be a new friend made since moving to Los Angeles, helped her launch her ’40×40′ campaign.

In between fits of giggles, the Duchess launched 40×40, a global effort encouraging people around the world to commit to giving 40 minutes of their time to support women going back to work.

The video ends with ‘bloopers’ from the recording session – including one shot of Prince Harry juggling in the garden, which can be seen through the window. The Duke of Sussex, 36, who is wearing sunglasses and a polo shirt, tosses three balls into the air before quickly losing control and dropping them on the ground.

Melissa is left in stitches, while an apparently surprised Meghan says: ‘What the?’ before bursting into a fresh fit of giggles.

The Duchess of Sussex today celebrated her milestone birthday by announcing a new initiative to help women back into work in a film featuring Hollywood star Melissa McCarthy – and a comedy turn by her husband (seen juggling in the background) 

Melissa is left in stitches, while an apparently surprised Meghan says: ‘What the?’ before bursting into a fresh fit of giggles 

Meghan has asked 40 activists, athletes, artists and world leaders to participate by contributing 40 minutes of mentorship to women re-entering the workforce, saying that millions of women have been ‘shouldered the brunt’ of the Covid-19 pandemic and need help returning or regaining work.

Among those who have committed 40 minutes of their time to mentor a woman in their community are singer Adele, poet Amanda Gorman, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and fashion designer Stella McCartney.

At the start of a Zoom-style call in her spotless LA mansion, Meghan told Melissa McCarthy: ‘It’s my 40th birthday and I’ve got an idea. Because I’m turning 40, I’m asking 40 friends to give 40 minutes of their time to mentor a woman who is remobilising back into the workforce. 

‘Over 2million women in the US alone and tens of millions around the world have lost their jobs due to Covid. And I think if we all do it, and all commit 40 minutes to an act of service, it can have a ripple effect.’

Melissa repeatedly interrupts Meghan with jokes about other things she could be doing to celebrate her birthday, leaning on her royal links suggesting a tea party or a bash on a yacht. But it was Ms McCarthy who laughs the loudest at the end of the call when she spots Prince Harry juggling outside the window, much to Meghan’s surprise.

The video ends with ‘bloopers’ from the recording session – including one shot of Prince Harry juggling in the garden, which can be seen through the window 

The Duke of Sussex, 36, who is wearing sunglasses and a polo shirt, tosses three balls into the air before quickly losing control and dropping them on the ground

Meghan Markle looks out into the garden as Harry shows off his circus skills in the back garden while she is on her call