Harry Styles has celebrated One Direction’s 10th anniversary by sharing a heartfelt post to his Instagram.
The band – originally made up of Harry, 26, Liam Payne, 26, Louis Tomlinson, 28, Niall Horan, 26, and Zayn Malik, 27 – also posted a fun video to their official social media looking back at their best bits.
In Harry’s post, the singer admitted that he had been ‘struggling’ to put into words how grateful he is to the band, fans and The X Factor, where their career started.
Looking back: Harry Styles has celebrated One Direction’s 10th anniversary by sharing a heartfelt post to his Instagram (pictured in February)
Posting a throwback picture of the fivesome one stage, he penned: ‘I’ve been struggling to put into words how grateful I am for everything that’s happened over the last ten years.
‘I’ve seen things and places that I’d only ever dreamt of when I was growing up. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with some of the most incredible people, and gained friendships that I know I will treasure for the rest of my life.
‘None of this would be possible without the support you’ve given along the way. And for that, I will be forever thankful. I just can’t believe it’s been ten years. Thank you to our crew, our team, and everyone else who helped us along the way.
‘To all the fans, I love you, and I thank you with all my heart. You did it all, and you changed everything. And finally.. to the boys, I love you so much, and I couldn’t be prouder of everything we achieved together. Here’s to ten. H.’
Way back when: The band – originally made up of Harry, 26, Liam Payne, 26, Louis Tomlinson, 28, Niall Horan, 26, and Zayn Malik, 27 – also posted a fun video to their official social media looking back at their best bits (pictured in 2012)
Harry’s former bandmates Niall and Liam were quick to react to the post, with ‘Love ya H’ and a heart emoji.
The official One Direction Instagram page also posted a fun video looking back at the band’s best moments over the years.
It starts with the boys at the beginning of their career, as they excitedly gush over their first ever tour, song and album.
The video takes a look at all of their accomplishments and awards with the boys thanking their fans for their support. It ends with their latest single, History.
A special 10 Years of One Direction website was also launched, which is an immersive experience for fans, and crashed within minutes of launch.
Harry’s message comes after Liam marked the milestone by sharing the text he sent his dad the day the band were put together.
He also revealed that he listens to the group’s back-catalogue of music when he’s been drinking.
Recalling the exact moment the band were assembled on The X Factor in 2010, Liam shared a screenshot of the message he sent to his father.
It was a text that read: ‘I’m in a boyband!’
Alongside the text and a throwback black white snap of the band, Liam tweeted: ‘What a journey… I had no idea what we were in for when I sent this text to my Dad ten years ago at this exact time the band was formed.
‘Thanks to everyone that’s supported us over the years and thanks to the boys for sharing this with me #10YearsOfOneDirection (sic).’
Bandmate Louis also tweeted, notably claiming he ‘misses One Direction every day’.
He penned: ‘Feeling pretty emotional today. 10 years!! Spent the morning watching old interviews and performances. Just wanted to send a massive thank you to ALL of my band mates. What we did together was incredible.
‘Too many incredible memories to mention but not a day goes by that I don’t think about how amazing it was. @NiallOfficial @Harry_Styles @LiamPayne @zaynmalik. So proud of you all individually.
‘And to the fans. The people who gave us all these amazing opportunities. You are incredible, your unmatched level of loyality is something that makes me really really proud. Miss it every day (sic).’
Niall also shared a sweet message and throwback snap to Instagram, he wrote: ‘When I met these four gents there was no way I thought we would go on to do what we did. So many unbelievable memories we shared together.
‘We felt the adoration of millions from around the planet on a daily basis and it was mind blowing. It’s such a major part of our lives and always will be.
‘Cheers to US today boys and thank you to all you beautiful people who have supported us over the last 10 years. @liampayne @harrystyles @zayn @louist91 ❤️ #10yearsofonedirection.’
Zayn, who is expecting his first child with on-off supermodel girlfriend Gigi Hadid, is yet to post a statement about the band. He quit after five years.
In 2015, he issued the following statement: ‘My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band.
‘I’d like to apologise to the fans if I’ve let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart.
‘I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight. I know I have four friends for life in Louis, Liam, Harry and Niall. I know they will continue to be the best band in the world.’
One Direction finally broke their two-year silence on social media on Wednesday and posted a video soundtracked by the track History, containing archived footage of the group over the years.
In their first Twitter post since 2018, the band said: ‘Tomorrow! You and me got a whole lot of history #10YearsOf1D (sic).’
The group posted the same message on their Instagram account, which has more than 18 million followers. One Direction have been on a hiatus since 2016.
During their time, they sold more than 200 million records worldwide and won almost 200 awards, including seven BRIT Awards.