It seemed like a match made in heaven – the beautiful film star and the dashing prince, “smitten” with each other and set to treat us all to a fairytale wedding that would do Disney proud. Sadly, the reported romance between Emma Watson (24) and Prince Harry was no more than a pipe dream. Or, as Emma tweeted, “World. Remember that little talk we had about not believing everything written in the media?! Also… marrying a Prince not a prerequisite for being a Princess.” She added a link to the film A Little Princess, which features the line, “I am a princess. All girls are.” Cynics have pointed out that it could also be a reference to – and great publicity for – her latest role, as Belle in the new film version of Beauty and the Beast. Harry has said nothing, although a spokeswoman from his office at Clarence House says, “Prince Harry’s private life is private.”
If Harry has anything to do with it, it will stay that way. “After the disaster of those naked pool-playing photographs in Las Vegas, Harry and his protection officers have really got their act together,” says one of his social circle, who call each other “Team Harry”. “One of his detectives is responsible for checking out people Harry meets and anyone he brings home. Smartphones and cameras are left at the door.”
Emma Watson has been quick to shut down any rumours she’s potty about Harry.
Even so, the odd picture and occasional story get out. Last summer, he was caught in a clinch with elegant brunette Camilla Thurlow (25), who works for the landmine charity The Halo Trust, and shared a break with Harry in the south of France. And last month, rumours began to circulate that he’s been dating German model Anastasia Guseva. “They met when he was on a trip to Abu Dhabi last November to attend a Formula One race, and danced together all night until they left at 4.30am,” says a fellow guest. “He whispered in her ear and caressed her arm and face. He was clearly very taken with her.”
Prince Harry’s former loves Chelsea (L) and Cressida (R).
But a big question mark still hangs over his two former loves, Chelsy Davy (29) and Cressida Bonas (25). “Harry is feeling a bit isolated now William and Kate have settled down,” says one of his circle. “He’s 30 and he’s ready for companionship. The problem is, the girls he’s really loved couldn’t handle the attention that comes with the royals. They loved Harry but not the restrictions and the media.
He’s still in touch with both of them and he misses the relationships.” Cressida seems to have moved on – or rather, back – with former flame Harry Wentworth-Stanley (26), but Chelsy is said to be going through a rough patch with her jeweller boyfriend Charles Goode and might become available once more.
There is even a whisper that Kate has urged Harry to make a final play for Chelsy. “She told him to tell her she’s the love of his life. Chelsy almost married someone else and Kate’s told Harry that if he doesn’t win her back now, it’ll soon be game over,” says one source. Certainly, Harry appears to be preparing for a more settled life, giving up any thought of returning to the front line as an Apache helicopter pilot.
The prince meets disabled London marathon competitors.
“He has effectively grounded himself,” says an army friend. “He loved it but he understands that his presence makes everyone around him a target and he can’t do that to them.” Instead, he is building a wider portfolio of royal and charitable duties and has told top brass that his career focus will be on working for the Defence Recovery Capability scheme, which helps injured soldiers to get back to duty or return to civilian life.
“Harry’s challenge is to find a balance between being a royal, a global figure and a human being who wants love and security,” says one of his team. “It will be tough but it’s what he needs if he’s to have a happy life.”
