Prince Harry's decision to jet off alone to New York to meet royals and celebrities before a solo trip to Britain shows he is determined to 'carve out' new opportunities and 'assert himself' after turning 40, experts told MailOnline today.

The Duke of Sussex is away from Montecito for the next eight days and went to a California benefit organised by Kevin Costner on Saturday, without his American wife.

Last night he attended a dinner organised by the World Health Organization (WHO), greeting Queen Mathilde of Belgium warmly on arrival.

On his trip to New York this week he will also support pet charities and businesses including African Parks, The HALO Trust, The Diana Award, and Travalyst. And this weekend he will fly to London for his annual visit to support WellChild at their awards ceremony, again without his wife.