Chelsy Davy splits from Prince Harry
It had to happen, especially after Prince Harry’s decision to devote himself to highly specialized military duties in the Army Air Corps.
Just as his brother, Prince William’s choice of a long stint in the RAF’s Search and Rescue squad all but sidelined long-term girlfriend Kate Middleton, Chelsy, the high-flying lawyer, has backed off and all but dumped the Prince.
It has been clear to Royal Anecdotes for some time that neither Prince was ready to make any commitment to their first lady loves.
Chelsy has clearly been cleverer than Kate in forging a serious career for herself. Her future now seems to be back in South Africa.
A military source is reported as saying, “Harry’s training is going to be seriously demanding and he has been told there will be little time for girlfriends and socialising. He is living in a modest room with a single bed and won’t be allowed to drink from Monday to Friday, and he will need to knuckle down.”
Although Chelsy had planned to join City law firm Allen & Overy after her graduation later this year, she has now told friends that South Africa beckons.
Plainly, Harry’s commitment to the Army has put a lot of pressure on her, since they don’t get much time together. A friend commented, “He’s told her it has to come before anything, and she’s a bit fed up of always coming second. She was prepared to make a big sacrifice by moving to the UK. She had her job lined up and a place to live in London. She’s a very bright girl who wants to be a successful lawyer, but that’s all up in the air now.”
The recent closeness of Chelsy with Kate Middleton may suggest that something similar is brewing between Kate and William. The reluctance of the second in line to the Throne to abolish her “Waity Katie” tag delivers its own message.
Both relationships have run their course. I would expect a similar announcement from the Middleton compound soon.
Unless, of course, William makes an executive decision. Why, then, did he choose the RAF over Kate?
I have to confess this one disappoints me a bit if only for the reason that Chelsy seems so down to earth. But of course they’re both young and they both have plenty of time to find other people (which could also be said of the other couple).
By NCKat on January 25th, 2009 at 12:45 am
I read this development rather differently than you do, John. For one thing, I believe that it is a mistake to view both relationships in the same way. Chelsy Davy is quite a different person than Kate Middleton. Chelsy is the petulant, flamboyant and fiercely independent daughter of an extremely wealthy South African and she is very used to having her own way. I always viewed her relationship with Prince Harry to be rather immature and tempestuous, quite unlike the relationship between Prince William and Kate Middleton. Prince William and Kate are possessed of more mature, quiet and settled personalities, and their relationship reflects these qualities. I see no compelling evidence that Kate and Prince William have called it a day. Prince Harry has committed to the military, has made no plans for time with Chelsy, she resents being placed second and has broken off their relationship. Prince William, on the other hand, while committing to the military, has made arrangements for Kate to see him privately and with reassuring regularity, which constitutes a continuation of the relationship. This is my view, at any rate.
By Gigi on January 25th, 2009 at 1:25 am
I always liked Chelsy, but I honestly never thought she’d have a future with Harry for the simple reason that she does not at all seem like a good fit for the Royal Family. I could not have imagined how they would “reign her in” for lack of a better term, and make her into a productive member of that family. My opinion is that in the end, if they were to marry, it would have eventually ended badly.
I do feel that Kate would be a better fit for that family…even if she’s getting what looks to the outside to be the run-around right now. Time will tell, but if William & Kate end up marrying, I would worry less about the success of that union that I would have Harry & Chelsy.
By Claire on January 25th, 2009 at 2:03 am
Gigi- That is an excellent assessment of the differences between these two young women and their relationships with the Princes. I hope that your statement are proved to be true.
By Lisa on January 25th, 2009 at 2:12 am
It could also be the case that Chelsy has decided that she doesn’t want to spend several years in England waiting for Prince Harry, when she could just as easily find employment in South Africa, where she would be closer to her family and the weather she prefers. They could get back together later. I’m not saying they will– I agree with Gigi and Claire’s views. But I wouldn’t rule it out. If Chelsy has a few years when she isn’t officially attached to Prince Harry, that could give her time to date others and see if her heart is drawn back to Harry.
By Evelyn on January 25th, 2009 at 2:13 am
I have always been somewhat baffled by all this “Chelsea-hates-the-weather” talk. I mean, what does it say about CD’s character? Can’t put up with a little damp, darling?
If she is as smart as many claim, then she will get herself a dashing rain ensemble, complete with super fashionable wellies and a bright umbrella strategically deployed to deflect prying lenses and flashbulbs. She’ll scatter full spectrum (daylight-simulating) light fixtures throughout her flat, maybe even go for some trompe l’oeil on the walls. And she will march herself off to work and get the kind of resume boost that working for a top notch London law firm brings. She can always return to South Africa, were she has extensive family connections. What she might not always have is the career opportunity she is being offered now. And its not like this experience will hurt her chances in South Africa.
This choice only makes sense, of course, if CD is as serious about building her career as the media made her seem.
As for CM and PW, I am finding the weekend cottage story hilarious! Very old school, somehow.
By Sojourner on January 25th, 2009 at 3:31 am
Gigi, I love the way you have expressed things as they SEEM to stand for both couples.
While I do not live in the UK I pay pretty close attention (obsessively so, sadly) to PW and KM news and John, you seem to be the only credentialed commentator in the royal universe who thinks there has been a crack up in their relationship. (aside from those strange and horrible nasty sites which don’t count as they are just simply delusional). I agree with Gigi, I see no conclusive evidence as of yet that all hope is gone for the two of them.
John, you will either be seen one day as a wise, correct reader of the interesting movements of these two, or…ahh…well….ahem….. maybe we won’t go there yet…
By Claudia on January 25th, 2009 at 3:32 am
I agree with Gigi and Claire’s views too. Harry and Chelsy have grown apart while William and Kate have matured together.
Katie Nicholl has put an article about Kate on DM, and it seems to me PW and KM are going no where but strong!
By Mikado-watcher on January 25th, 2009 at 3:36 am
I have to say that I am glad Chelsy knows what she wants. I was shocked to read this, but at the same time, it’s not too much of a surprise. I hope they both end up living happily ever after, in whatever they do and whomever they end up with. I’m glad she went out there and did what she wanted to do, had a plan, and seems to be following through quite well.
As for Kate and Wills… I hope things are going well for them and that no one is leading the other on just to have someone waiting in the wings when they’re needed. And I really hope Kate comes up with a career plan and loves what she does, just as William has done.
By Meg on January 25th, 2009 at 4:35 am
“Why, then, did he choose the RAF over Kate?” Did he choose the RAF over Kate? I think he chose the RAF AND Kate. John, I know you have much more information and more of an understanding than I do, it’s just that I really believe there is something else in play. We know PW intended to marry Kate; they seemed close to an announcement then….abruptly, nothing. It seems more likely he doesn’t want to announce an engagement to Kate now or for some reason can’t announce an engagement to Kate at this time. Whether the reason has to do with Charles or is something else entirely, we will most likely never know. All outward signs indicate they plan to stay together one way or another. Under what circumstances would the Queen request an engagement be announced if they plan to continue their relationship?
By lionhound on January 25th, 2009 at 5:27 am
I seem to remember Harry and Chelsy having already had several mini-splits so I’m waiting to see if this will “hold”.
I can’t help thinking jolly good show on her part if it does. I’ve had the repeated impression over the past 2 or 3 years that Harry was not paying Chelsy enough attention for her liking.
It must be quite difficult to go through a high profile split, even if she initiated it herself, and it tends to make me think she must have been fairly dissatisfied with the relationship.
Maybe both Princes are just a wee bit spoilt when it comes to women? And this might show both of them that you can’t always have what you want.
Sorry, I know I am making lots of assumptions and that my views may run contrary to those of other readers of this site.
By miki on January 25th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Well, too bad that we lost Miss Chelsy, she was somehow so different.. modern.. Not your typical “royal girlfriend”.
I think that she may not be the last girl “from the colonies” dating Prince Harry. He is most definitely a South African type, or then I could see him dating Aussie girls. They are more laid back, etc. I cannot see Prince Harry with some prissy, stuffy young woman.
By Peg on January 25th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Miki said: “Maybe both Princes are just a wee bit spoilt when it comes to women?”
Miki, I am with you. I agree completely. They are spoiled. And I cannot avoid thinking that while they have enjoyed dating Kate and Chelsy, this healthy libido must ask.. what is it like with THIS girl and THAT girl.. Chelsy and Kate are both very beautiful, but there are so many helens and annes and lisas out there. Just as good looking as Chelsy and Kate, just as pleasant.. and doing all they can to draw the attention of these young princes.
It must be a big temptation, knowing that you can get almost any young woman you want. (Well, I’d say 99%, atleast!). God forbid, who knows, maybe it will make married life very difficult for them, when time comes.
All these beautiful girls come out, year after year, always new, fresh faces and bodies. Oh well..
By Peg on January 25th, 2009 at 11:27 am
Perhaps I am mistaken about this, but didn’t they have a fake break-up when he went overseas? Is it possible that this is perhaps another fake break-up for some other reason?
By Anne on January 25th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
So, what did I read about the Queen warning that “if” Kate and William were to marry now it would mean a “credit crunch wedding?” THAT sounds like there might BE a wedding??? Hmmm?
By Julie on January 25th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
I think it is rather naive to assume that everything is fine between William & Kate. When we see that Harry & Chelsy have been in the same boat due to the fact he has long Military commitments like his brother.
By Belinda on January 25th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
There are similarities in the situations but there are differences as well in the situations, and the people. I choose to have hope because there are signs that things are going well. Naive or not, I will choose to see the positive.
John, I’m trying to decide if you are being provocative or if you really think that K & W are not long for this relationship?
Did anyone else see the comments attributed to the Queen and think them interesting?
By Julie on January 25th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
I see it as a warning of not showing any support for a wedding any time soon.
By NCKat on January 26th, 2009 at 1:59 am
Both the Telegraph and the Daily Mail have long articles about the backstory on Prince Harry and Chelsy’s breakup.
By Evelyn on January 26th, 2009 at 3:02 am
Noticed the Daily Mail are adding Kate into the story, suggesting she maybe next.
By Belinda on January 26th, 2009 at 6:48 am
Julie, I’ve explained my view of this a thousand times since last spring. It hasn’t changed, nor is it “provocative”, merely reflecting the situation as it is, not as we would like it to be.
The quote about the Queen sounds bogus to me. She wouldn’t allow such views to become public and knows very well that a “credit crunch wedding” would be counter-productive.
By John on January 26th, 2009 at 9:13 am
My apologies, John. I was just hoping that you were feeling/seeing something hopeful and stirring up the pot to get us talking again. I suppose I should have known better.
By Julie on January 26th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
No apologies necessary, Julie. We all see different aspects of the same story.
What I believe is that Kate will go the same way as Chelsy. Both she and the Palace were shocked by the RAF decision, which can’t really be explained except that William looked marriage in the eye and backed off fast.
As always, I may be wrong. If so, my apologies to both parties and a request: can you explain the RAF choice in these circumstances?
By John on January 26th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
*Sigh* That is the rub…is it not? I keep hoping that he just wanted more time out of the flash of the cameras and he has plans to take her with him…but then we’ll hear about the jobs thing again. Hmmm, it is a quandry.
By Julie on January 26th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
John,
Are there any upcoming events where one might expect to see members of the royal family and also, possibly Kate, that would give an indication of whether there has been a change in her status or relationship with PW? Thanks.
By Lisa on January 26th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
I have said this before, but if Prince William has negative views regarding marriage, those views no doubt had their genesis in the years when he was a witness to the breakdown of the marriage of his Mother and Charles. Nevertheless, if Prince William has decided that he is against marriage, he should not indulge himself in a long term relationship with Kate Middleton or any other respectable and suitable young lady. To do so is incredibly dishonorable and selfish. I very much hope that this is not the case, however. Let us wait and hope for better days.
By Gigi on January 26th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
I still think that Kate and William are delaying marriage in order to have more time out of the glaring media spotlight. Their non-married state generates endless speculation and a parsing of every statement. I think they may be dreading what a married state might bring into their lives. PW certainly had a view of what marriage in the media spotlight meant. Why not put off marriage until it’s the time for children?
By Karen on January 26th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
There is a lot of common sense in the view that this split is not good news for CM and PW’s relationship. One would hope that CM would resolve to initiate a clean break and strike out on her own. However, she has given no such indication, which is very unfortunate. She would be a much more sympathetic figure if she tried. As is, rather than seeming “loyal,” she is increasingly looking more and more like “in denial.” And PW is looking more and more self-centered and self-serving, to put it mildly.
But, as anyone who has ever been in a relationship knows, breaking up is always easier said than done.
By Sojourner on January 26th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
A new Channel 4 documentary about William and Harry has some amazing things to say. I’m writing about it now.
By John on January 26th, 2009 at 11:15 pm