Chelsy Davy down in the dumps at Leeds
Why would a young, pleasure-loving Cape Town girl choose the northern, industrial city of Leeds for her postgrad studies?
The oppressive northern weather is clearly getting to Chelsy Davy
Judging by the latest shots of her leaving a London nightspot at 3am, she’s obviously not enjoying her life at the moment.
Leeds has a great history. It was one of the major cotton manufacturing towns in the industrial revolution and has some magnificent municipal architecture to prove it. Nowadays it claims to have a vibrant social and clubbing scene and an impressive university.
However, nothing can disguise the cold, dark climate as winter draws in.
Chelsy is said to be missing her home town in South Africa and the sybaritic pleasures of her gap year, when she spent much of the time on the world’s finest beaches and dancing the night away in hotspot bars.
Her long-term boyfriend, Prince Harry, now an Army officer based at Windsor, is equally unhappy. Refused his wish to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan because of the increasing dangers, he is losing interest in his Army career and spends much of his leisure time in nighclubs carousing with his friends.
Some reports suggest he has asked for a transfer to Catterick Camp in the North of England to be nearer to Chelsy. Both seem to be on the brink of giving up their current situations.
Royal Anecdotes’ advice to Chelsy is to switch from Leeds to a London college, like the LSE. Although she didn’t get the First Class degree she hoped for, I’m sure her connections could twist a few arms.
As for Harry, he might find more traction in his career by following his brother William into short stints with the RAF and Royal Navy.
As the “Spare to the Throne,” would it ever be possible for Harry to pack up and move, with Chelsy, to South Africa? They both appear to enjoy life there and Harry would be away from the prying eyes of the British tabloids.
By Arthur on October 29th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
It would mean him giving up all Royal engagements and literally withdrawing from Royal life, Arthur. Voluntary exile is not something many senior Royals do unless they leave under a cloud, like Edward VIII.
By John on October 29th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
How much longer do you think this relationship will last? It seems to me as if Harry and Chelsy were happiest together when they spent more time apart. Their long-distance relationship flourished and now all the reports we are getting on these two are negative…
I think that it could be for one of two reasons:
- The tabloids over here are far more aggressive and negative than what Chelsy had to put up with while over in South Africa. Therefore, the perpetual doom and gloom we are hearing is just the outcome of nothing more than journalists and editors hoping to create a stir.
Or
- This relationship really IS down in the dumps and Harry and Chelsy aren’t meant to be together. Like you said John, Harry would have to exile himself from Royal life if he were to move to SA (which I don’t see happening), and I really don’t think Chelsy will be happy in England for the long haul.
By Emily on October 29th, 2007 at 6:58 pm
Actually, once they’re married, Harry would be a perfect candidate for Governor General of any Commonwealth state. Unfortunately, almost all the ex-colonies in Africa converted to Republics.
By ClassyCanuck on October 29th, 2007 at 7:01 pm
That might be true if Prince William had more siblings to support him when he becomes King. With just one sibling, Prince Harry, to help with the workload, I would doubt that Prince Harry would be posted somewhere outside the UK. Being King is a huge job and it is impossible for the monarch to fulfill all the obligations without strong support from other senior Royals, specifically siblings.
By Gigi on October 29th, 2007 at 8:09 pm
Emily, I have also wondered if Harry and Chelsy’s relationship has longevity. Eventually, the constant smoking, drinking and partying will grow tiresome and then what? Chelsy doesn’t strike me as the type who will easily adapt to the constrants of Royal life and, sometimes, love does not concur all. Unfortunately, I see Chelsy outgrowing Harry, in the not too distant future.
By Arthur on October 29th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
I think the explanation will be that she just misses her home and family too much….sort of what we are already seeing here. John, you mentioned sometimes info is given to the press to prepare the people for an event. Seems like this may be a good example. But, I never knew anyone that loved their first year of school either. She should give it at least until spring. As she is smart, I suspect she won’t give up easy!
By Cate on October 30th, 2007 at 2:30 am
If she is seriously this depressed by English weather, I see this as a problem. After all, if she marries Prince Harry, they will have to live the majority of their lives in the UK. The weather isn’t going to get any better.
By Gigi on October 30th, 2007 at 3:30 am
No global warming then, Gigi:
But, you’re right, British weather takes a lot of getting used to. When I arrived back in England one October from a two-year stint in Australia, the cold and dark really got to me. You do, though, get used to it, and the South-West is particularly mild in winter.
By John on October 30th, 2007 at 9:30 am
Cate, I think the Chelsy story comes from reporters talking to her friends and acquaintances rather than an official announcement.
Harry’s situation may be a different matter, as his people may be seeding the news to pave the way for an announcement. Harry is not the type to stay in a dead-end job, which is where he is now. As I say he should follow the William route, or buy himself out. Either way, it would be a good news story and show he is his own man.
By John on October 30th, 2007 at 9:35 am
Perhaps these two have stayed together as long as they have simple because they have not been too much together. The pressure of a more consistent togetherness always makes or breaks a twosome. Hope they weather it though. It would be fun to see the two of them go through the years wouldn’t it?
By Claudia on October 30th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
I know this is going to sound old-fashioned, but my husband and I began our married lives in Cleveland, Ohio, known for appalling weather year ’round. While I admit we were relieved to leave that area after seven years, it is my experience that when you are with the love of your life, the weather is not a major factor in your happiness. I wonder at Chesley. Does she love Prince Harry enough?
By Gigi on October 30th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
I have to agree with you Gigi. If Chelsey loved Harry enough – the weather would be but a minor thing. If she marries him, well, she will need to adjust to the weather. I can imagine how different it is compared to South Africa – and she would be so far away from her family. THAT would make me pause too.
I’m not sure she is cut out for the “Royal” life – so far we’ve seen her only in times of fun and games – so maybe I’m wrong about that.
By On the Outside on October 30th, 2007 at 10:14 pm
Quite an astute analysis, On the Outside. Being far away from one’s family is a sacrifice, but in this case, Chelsey’s family is extremely wealthy and can afford to travel to see her whenever they wished. Perhaps my real cause for alarm is that I wonder if she is used to having her own way too often. Will she be flexible and willing to compromise? Will she be willing to make sacrifices and recognize that much of Prince Harry’s life must be regulated by the duty to which he was born? If she cannot promise to do these things, and more than that, keep those promises, if she has no strength within her that will enable her to be a true helpmate to our young Prince, I do not see a future for them. Of course I may be entirely wrong and, in fact, I hope I am. But I do wonder about it and I also worry.
By Gigi on October 30th, 2007 at 11:27 pm
Well, Kate has stuck it out through thick and thin. Maybe Chelsy should talk to her. Harry is easily diverted to the sybaritic life when he’s bored. Perhaps he needs a wife who is not.
By John on October 31st, 2007 at 8:44 am
Your logic is compelling, John, but we have always to remember that there can be no happiness if the Prince does not marry for love. The most successful and happy marriages in the British Royal family have been love matches: King Edward III and Queen Philippa, King George III and Queen Charlotte, Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort, King George V and Queen Mary, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth and Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Both Prince Harry and Prince William must marry for love or we won’t have happy lives.
By Gigi on October 31st, 2007 at 6:36 pm
I agree with you completely, Gigi. And the relationship must stand the test of time *before* the marriage vows are made. For these royal princes, ONLY being madly in love won’t be enough either– their beloved must be at peace with the requirements and restrictions of royal life, as well as the privileges of it. Both will be needed for the relationships to last over the long haul.
IMHO, Kate seems to be farther along that path than Chelsy, though I certainly hope the best for both of them.
By Evelyn on November 1st, 2007 at 3:57 am
If Chelsy can hang on in there until Christmas, she may feel differently after going back to Capetown for the holidays. There again she may not, but at least the decision will have been made.
By John on November 1st, 2007 at 10:15 am
True, Evelyn, and true, John. These feelings of homesickness are often felt during the university years but not so much once a person establishes an actual home of his/her own away from his/her parents and family. At this time, as Evelyn well states, it appears that of the two young ladies in question, Kate Middleton is the more settled and more mature. She has completed her education and moved into the world of the adult life. Chelsy is still at university, albeit for an advanced degree, and is still a part of the student lifestyle.
By Gigi on November 1st, 2007 at 4:47 pm
Gigi, I agree. She should try to get through this now she’s started. If she leaves before the end, it will show on her CV and she will be suspected of being a quitter who doesn’t know her own mind.
Better to bite the bullet and see it through, or at least switch to a London college where she will be supported by Clarence House, as Kate is.
By John on November 1st, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Hmmm…I’m basing my opinion solely on what I can see. In the photographs of Harry and Chelsey together, it is obvious they are in love with each other. Compare their body language–leaning towards each other, gazing at each other, etc.–with the way Kate and William appear in photos. If anything, Kate seems to be enjoying the spotlight much as Diana did, while Chelsey appears to be less interested in the limelight.
Partying aside, I think Harry and Chelsey have a lot in common.
By AnnRG on November 7th, 2007 at 6:20 am