Prince Harry and Chelsy Davy at Badminton
Apart from the Queen and Prince Philip, who are today in Washington D.C., much of the Royal Family turned out at the Badminton Horse Trials over the weekend.
The Princess Royal and Zara Phillips are regulars, of course, and occasionally competitiors.
Kate Middleton and her mother were also seen at the event, as was Prince William — though separately from Kate.
All eyes, however, were on Prince Harry and Chelsy Davy (pictured), who seemed to be having a whale of a time, despite Harry’s apparently imminent deployment to the killing fields of Iraq. The couple appeared to be as inseparable as ever.
Friends of the Prince have been talking openly about their relationship and where it’s going : “Harry doesn’t want to be subjected to the level of interest people have been taking in William and Kate. It’s his idea of hell. But he also feels very frustrated at the way people are so dismissive of him and Chelsy.
“They are always portrayed as a pair of poor little rich kids who will burn themselves out sooner rather than later.
“In Harry’s mind, there is nothing ridiculous whatsoever in the idea that one day, in the not-too-distant future, Princess Chelsy could be standing on the balcony at Buckingham Palace — even though she would probably be hiding a cigarette and a bottle of Malibu behind her back.”
Chelsy seems to have won over Harry’s family, especially Prince Charles who is not, we are told, immune to her bubbly charms. Harry continues to believe that the South African beauty has some qualities that Kate Middleton lacked.
“Harry has always been quietly very proud of the fact that Chelsy — or Chedda, as he affectionately calls her — loves him for who he is. In fact, she sees the fact that he’s Royal as more of a hindrance than a help. As the hugely popular daughter of a multi-millionaire businessman with homes in at least three different countries, she doesn’t really need to take advantage of Harry’s birthright.”
One source close to the Prince suggests that he actually sided with members of William’s circle who felt that Kate Middleton had started to take advantage of the relationship, reports the Daily Mail.
The source continued, “Harry had sympathy with those of William’s friends who felt Kate had begun to rather enjoy her fame by association a little too much — unlike his own girlfriend, who he thinks is a ‘real class act’. When she first met William, Kate had few friends of her own — but over the years, she carefully assimilated herself into his circle.
“There was a feeling among some of William’s friends that Kate had become a little too self-aware — she even had the cheek to bag herself a cut-price Audi, thanks to her Royal links — while publicly insisting that she wanted to be treated as an ordinary girl.”
It is also said that Chelsy didn’t particularly take to Kate : “It wasn’t that she disliked her — it’s just that they had nothing in common. One only has to look at them to see it. Chelsy is a lot sweeter than she looks, but she is still a very outgoing girl who likes a beer and a fag.”
As we have suggested here before, courtiers have expressed concern about the Davys’ controversial business links to Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe. It seems they have been told that she is a “non-negotiable” part of Harry’s life.
“It’s far from a coincidence that when Harry does slip up — the times when he falls out of nightclubs drunk and brawls with photographers in the streets — Chelsy isn’t around,” says someone who knows them both well.
“Believe it or not, he has matured in recent years — in large part thanks to Chelsy, whom he is incredibly protective of — and really does try to keep his head down. They are so besotted with each other — like a couple of lovebirds, really — that when they are together, nothing else really matters. Their body language is so different from that of Kate and William, who always used to look more like brother and sister. The trouble is that when Chelsy isn’t around, Harry is easily led astray.”
Interestingly, “Bristol University has flatly denied rumours she plans to do a postgraduate degree there in the autumn, but friends say she is definitely planning to spend more time in England, where she has many friends from her days as a boarder at Stowe, a co-educational public school in Buckinghamshire”, writes Rebecca English.
“She has even cancelled her plans to return to Africa over the summer and will instead wait for Harry to return from Iraq on leave.”
A friend of Chelsy says, “Chelsy hates the weather here, but is desperate to be nearer to her darling Haz. She is willing to make sacrifices if it takes their relationship a step forward.”
Prince Harry has asked Chelsy to attend the memorial concert in July that he and William are organizing to mark the tenth anniversary of their mother’s death.
A Clarence House source says, “The problem is that every senior member of the Royal Family will be there, and Harry knows that taking her is tantamount to making a public statement on the future of their relationship. He doesn’t think that it’s fair on her to open the floodgates just yet.”
In the aftermath of Kate Middleton, some astute PR work is going into promoting Chelsy Davy as a future Royal bride.
William will have to buy himself some speedy skates to keep up with his younger brother.
I can’t say i particularly care for Chelsy’s hair, here, although she looks glowing. They look in love and care free. I wonder how tall she is? She can’t be that short. Prince Harry is 6′2.
Don’t worry, John, you have always been optimistic about William’s abilities, but let him out of the spotlight for now, and reasses things. He doesn’t have to launch something to get back on top. He needs to settle into his military carrier, perhaps some further studies and more time with his grandmother who is rocking the States currently.
By mary on May 8th, 2007 at 7:08 am
I think they make a lovely couple!!! unlike the old Kate and Wills this couple is not afraid to show their feelings for each other. Zara and Mike also showed their feelings for each other enjoying a kiss of encouragement before she competed in the dressage event. If there are any doubts about who will have successful marriages in this generation just look at Zara and Harry.
By Trudie on May 8th, 2007 at 10:54 am
I’m beginning to think you’re right, Trudie. But a lot can happen over the next year or two.
By John on May 8th, 2007 at 11:52 am
Yes, there is no doubt that Harry and Chelsey are touchy feely in public but their relationship has the touch of the permanent holiday, they’ve never settled down to day to day life. When a couple only meet up occasionally of course they are going to be all over each other. Wait and see what happens when Chelsey stays in England for a protracted period only then will it be clear if they will stand the test of time.
As for Zara, she is the openly affectionate type and is very relaxed in the public eye. She and Mike are living together (I think) or as good as so hopefully their relationship is rock solid.
On another note, of course Kate is entitled to to Badmington, i’d love to go myself, and i’m sure that she has a genuine interest in eventing but going to New York to a cool new job would not be running away but a wonderful new experience and a broadening of horizons. Anyway they say absence makes the heart grow fonder.
By Eliza on May 8th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
John I was not trying to say that these two couples will get married, I was merely commenting that who ever Zara and Harry marry those marriages will probably be the most loving and secure.
By Trudie on May 8th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
Well, Zara and Mike are *secretly* engaged and intend to marry after the 2008 Olympics. Harry and Chelsy are giving out definite vibes that, a year or two down the road, they will do the same.
Of course, intentions can change.
By John on May 8th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
I am very pleased to see our dear Prince Harry so happy with Chelsy and so relaxed in their contentment. It is also nice to know that Zara is happy and settled with her Mike. I saw a photo of Prince William at Badmington, looking glum, and I confess that it quite depressed me. John, is someone thumbing through the Almanach de Gotha searching for suitable princesses? We have not got much time, after all. The laissez- faire attitude of the Palace in this matter simply astounds and puzzles me. The last time an Heir Apparent was allowed to ‘play the field,’ we ended up with an ill-advised marriage to a twice-divorced adventuress, an abdication crisis and a public relations nightmare that nearly shook the throne to its foundations. I know I sound quite out of sorts, but I am becoming unnerved by this indecision where Prince William is concerned.
By Gigi on May 8th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
Chelsy would be unhappy if she marries Harry. She is a girl who seems to be very active, who likes to do what she wants, and who seems to be very independent. She would lose all that if she enters in the RF.
I agree with Eliza. Holidays are not real life. Let’s see how their relationship grows up in England before talking marriage.
By Lilyfromfrance on May 8th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
Gigi the last two POW’s mucked up not only did Edward cause the abdication crises but the next Pow and I mean Charlies also shook the monarchy to it’s very foundations. The problem is they cannot choose who they want only what the court deems suitable then there is the Royal marriages act. When William finds the right girl he should do a Daddy and say she is non-negotiable. If he hada backbone then and done it the first time around so much misery and suffering could have been avoided.
By Trudie on May 8th, 2007 at 8:01 pm
Charles has made a public fool of himself, but thus far he has not seriously damaged the monarchy because Britain has a splendid monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, firmly on the throne. If Charles becomes king and continues to behave as he has, he will indeed shake the monarchy to its foundations. Edward, first as Prince of Wales, then as King and finally as Duke of Windsor, was worse because his horrendous behavior continued after he became King Edward VIII. I do not refer to Charles as a prince, because I believe he deserves neither the title nor the deference. I also doubt that anything would have been made any better if Charles had married Camilla when they were young. Both are very selfish people with an exaggerated sense of entitlement and enormous egos. That is a recipe for disaster.
By Gigi on May 8th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Right Gigi but Charles own horrendous behavior probable will continue once he becomes King each of the three last PoWs did the same thing Edward VII, VIII and Charlie and all three had an exaggerated sense of entitlement.
By Trudie on May 8th, 2007 at 8:34 pm
That is true, but I am also hoping that the Queen reigns for many more years and that perhaps Charles either will not come to the throne or, if he must reign, that his reign will be mercifully short. I know, I know… I am a dreamer. But there you have it!
Trudie, keep those lethal Long Iisland ice teas handy, because if Charles and Camilla come to the throne, no tea, however strong, will have sufficient strength to soothe me. I fear that on that dreadful day we will, all of us, need strong support from a lethal cocktail.
By Gigi on May 8th, 2007 at 8:48 pm
Isn’t it spelt “Badminton”?
By Ellie on May 8th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
At 24 I hardly think Prince William is failing his country by “playing the field”. Life experience will hardly hurt him and I’d rather see him in clubs and with various girls now rather than later. Besides, 24 isn’t what it used to be. People of our generation get married later and considering the divorce rate, that might not be a bad thing.
By Bex on May 8th, 2007 at 10:22 pm
Also, Prince Charles has made mistakes and he has made them publicly. But who in this world hasn’t? I take issue with him being called selfish when all we have are distorted fragments of his life. You might not choose him for a friend, but I don’t think he’s a bad person and he obviously puts a lot of effort into his role as PoW. His dedication is, at least, admirable.
By Bex on May 8th, 2007 at 10:25 pm
Gigi the recipe for the cocktail is in the Pictures of Royal Exeter post copy it and keep it handy upon C&C coming to the throne two of them just might make it palatable and the beauty is it tastes like Ice tea. I just hope that like you the Queen is around another twenty five years maybe by then William will be mature enough to take over unlike his father who is still trantrum prone and needs a mommy figure 24/7
By Trudie on May 8th, 2007 at 11:58 pm
Sadly I see William as more similar in termperament to his father. Of course as I don’t know either of them personally but from what I have read of both through the years, that is my hunch. The way he ditched his loyal girlfriend really didn’t sit well with me. It’s life and it was probably for the best, but it seemed bad business to me. Kate is good to be away from that lot.
By Positive on May 9th, 2007 at 5:31 am
My problem with the parting of the ways between William and Kate was that William found it very hard to end the relationship and let it needlessly drag on for months with public expectations rising all the time.
I don’t think he was brutal, as some are saying, although his reluctance to finish it may have had that effect in the end.
My personal view of Prince William — and I’ve not met him — is that between bouts of letting off steam he’s a serious, thoughtful individual who wants to do his job well. He also has a mind of his own which is very different from his father’s. When he emerges from his long training to be King, I believe he’ll be a very worthy occupant of the Throne.
By John on May 9th, 2007 at 10:10 am
Ellie, you’re right. Thanks. Slight brain fade, I think.
By John on May 9th, 2007 at 10:21 am
John, your’s is the more charitable and sensible view. I’m sure I’ll come around to that after a few months. This kid really pissed me off though.
On another note, a bunch of us stood out at the Goddard Flight Space Center (I live about 4 miles from there) and watched the Queen and Prince Phillip’s motorcade arrival. Thrilling to see the police escort, etc.
By Positive on May 9th, 2007 at 10:42 am
Doesn’t sound like you saw much more than the police escort, Pos. Security, I imagine, was very tight.
I must say, I thought the Queen looked very tired in Washington. These long state visits must really take it out of an 81-year-old. I hope that will be the last one now.
By John on May 9th, 2007 at 11:47 am
That may just have been the cameras, John. My son works on Capitol Hill in DC and lives near there. He said the Queen looked marvelous and incredibly fit for her age. He said everyone was so charmed by her. This is significant because the people in Washington are used to seeing famous people and thus are not easily impressed.
Regarding Badminton, I thought John added the ‘g’ because it was the British way to spell it, (like colour/color), so I followed suite! This is really most amusing!
Regarding Prince William, I shall go along with John’s views. I am praying that Prince William knows what he is doing, for all our sakes. It will kill me if he turns out to be less than he must be. He is England’s hope and I pray that he plays up and plays the game. I cannot take a casual view of these matters because I know how crucial it is that Prince William becomes the King Britain needs.
By Gigi on May 9th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Clearly, the reason I’ll never get to Badminton will be my inability to find it on a map!
I think the reason Prince William is looking glum in all the pictures is not missing Kate but he’s not used to the bad press. Normally, everybody loves him and raves about how great he is and how he is the saviour but the Kate break up was handled so badly that its his image that got it in the neck. I think he is in a sulk about that.
By Eliza on May 10th, 2007 at 10:53 am
I agree with some of the comments above in that I get a very bad vibe from the actions / images of Prince William as a young man so far. It appears that both boys feel that because of the premature death of their mother they are entitled to delay their growing up/maturity and responsibilities and behave just like other 20-somethings. Whilst I think they have more than enough public sympathy for behaving this way, I fear they will both find it difficult when they transition into more responsible roles. I’m not sure the ‘getting it out of your system’ approach really helps you deal with future responsibilities. Being a 20-something myself, not all of us behave this way and more often than not the ones that do end up having problems down the track at the least at a minor level due to their binge drinking years. Simply getting out there like the Queen did and getting on with it is the only way you learn and develop real confidence within yourself. I find it odd that the British public don’t take issue with their royals when they seem to lead spoilt carefree party lifestyles and then resume such significant roles on the side or in the future as is the case with the young princes. How can anyone believe this does not diminish the respect people have for them? Apart from their marvelous geneology, the only thing that is worthy of respect is the way they handle the pressure that is their birthright, by completely embracing it with grace from the beginning and not only making the most of their situation but going beyond it! The only royal that meets this criteria is the Queen. She is worthy of respect even amongst non-royal fans because she is a wonderful example of a human being who has made the best of her lot in life! She could have delayed the inevitable and sucumb to constant questioning of her role and her future but instead she chose from the beginning to embrace her life.
By Charlotte on May 10th, 2007 at 11:23 am
I live in DC myself. and trust me people are still talking about her visit. She looked younger, i dont know, she just looked great.. for someone born before “1776″ hahahahaha
By Ziny on May 10th, 2007 at 11:38 am
Yes Ziny, that is amazing! If you’re not a royalist then you almost believe in royalty! Even celebrities with all the money and choice in the world cannot age with as much dignity, although it was rumoured that the Queen has had botox. I’m not sure about that one! Even applying expensive creams for a lifetime does not automatically give you a stunning glow! Some/most of it has to come from within. I wonder what her diet is? If it’s traditional English food then that could be considered quite fatty for your average person but I suppose if you bought the best/freshest produce you may reap the rewards!
By Charlotte on May 10th, 2007 at 11:53 am
I think it is unlikely that the Queen has had botox. She appears to have inherited her beautiful skin from her mother, the Queen Mother, whose glowing skin was the envy of everyone all her life. I agree with the comments made by Ziny and Charlotte that Queen Elizabeth II is an example–to her family and the world–of how to behave well. Her tremendous sense of duty has made her a tower of strength on the British throne and she has been a continuing inspiration to her country and to the world. I well remember watching the Queen’s coronation on television in 1953 when I was five years old. How fortunate Britain is to have such a Queen, and for such a sustained reign. She is a great blessing and a lesson to us all.
By Gigi on May 10th, 2007 at 3:45 pm