There are reports today that Prince Harry and Chelsy Davy are once again on collision course for breakup.

Chelsy Davy in despondent mood

Last year’s split came as a result of Chelsy’s despair over Harry hardly ever visiting her at Leeds University, where she suffered considerable initial culture shock over the city’s cold, dark climate and generally grubby demeanour.

However, that breakup was later put down to the couple creating a cover story for Harry’s top secret mission to Afghanistan. Whatever the real reason, it’s well known there were tensions in their often sparky relationship.

Now, with Chelsy flying off to South Africa at the end of her first year of a two-year post-graduate course in law and business, the same complaint seems to be repeating itself.

With Harry on a training exercise with the Army, some believe his new passion for being around “military types” is interfering with his long-term need for Chelsy.

The couple are set to holiday together soon and friends hope they can sort out their difficulties as they have in the past. Friends of Chelsy and Kate Middleton have said that young men become “impossible” when they join the Army. The intense comradely pull to be part of the group can easily destroy other non-military relationships.

A friend of Harry is reported as snapping, “Harry is incorrigible. He is at that age when he likes drinking with his mates. Chelsy will have to resign herself to that or it will be over.”

This powerful influence on both Harry and to some extent Prince William has apparently convinced some courtiers that the Royal brothers need to be exposed to other lifestyles.

William’s new press officer is likely to be very different from the Equerry and military minder types to which they have been long exposed.

Prince William is seeking his own personal press secretary. The prestigious appointment begins next year, suggesting that a major “change of use” is set to occur.

Until now William has relied on his father’s press office for spin-doctoring services, but clearly wishes to branch out on his own once he finishes his stint with the Armed Forces. With Prince Charles’s expensive media machine already in situ it’s hard to see why William would need his own office if he were planning to remain at Clarence House next year. The proposed appointment indicates he is planning to set up a home of his own.

The new press officer will cover the Prince’s day-to-day engagements and field questions about his private life. The successful candidate will need to be a top professional with knowledge of Royal affairs and a sensitivity to the political landscape. He or she could expect to receive a handsome remuneration package along the lines of Prince Charles’s arrangements and may even be paid by the Duchy of Cornwall.

With William’s Army career ending in January, it’s doubtful whether SAS officer Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton will continue in his job as his Private Secretary. By some accounts his main role has been keeping the exuberant Prince Harry out of trouble, while facilitating William’s workflow in the military. He may, of course, stay on as Prince Harry’s fixer and troubleshooter.

It looks as if 2009 will be a watershed for the second-in-line to the Throne. The same may be said of Kate Middleton. Even with more time on his hands, it’s unlikely William would set up a new household without Kate. It would inevitably lead to speculation that they had split up again.

The new look for William’s life has all the feel of a well thought-through plan organized by the military — as the best Royal events are.

A newly-independent Prince William, together with Kate, will cut quite a dash on the public scene.

Last week it was Royal Ascot, this week and next it’s Wimbledon. With such entertainment on offer during a packed summer season, it’s not surprising that Royal news is all about sport.

It doesn’t help, of course, that Princes William and Harry are mostly away on military service, while their girlfriends are either keeping a low profile or completing university exams.

So, what’s happening this week? Kate Middleton’s sister Pippa, now working as a party organizer, gave Ascot a miss last week, as did the rest of her family, despite rumours to the contrary. She will, however, visit Wimbledon this week:

“I’ve not been to Ascot because I don’t like racing, but I love tennis and I’m going to get along some time [this] week.”

Perhaps the same reasoning applies to Kate and, just as in previous years, she will make a regal appearance in the Royal Box.

There’s also some chatter around that Pippa is still seeing old uni chum and flatmate, George Percy, heir to the Duke of Northumberland. “It’s true we’re often seen together, but we’re not going out, we are just very old friends,” she said, modestly.

Prince William was well supported at his investiture as the 1000th Knight Companion of the Garter since 1348 at Windsor today.

Prince William with his father and Camilla at the Garter event

Senior Garter Knights, Prince Charles and Prince Philip (his father and grandfather), were his official supporters as the Queen draped the historic and prestigious Garter robes around him in St. George’s Chapel.

Prince Harry, Kate Middleton and Camilla at Windsor today

In the congregation were Kate Middleton his more-than-a-girlfriend, and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Although Kate outshone all others as usual, this time William was the centre of attention in his floridly magnificent medieval robes and flourish of a hat.

The ancient company (literally in many cases) made its way slowly in solemn procession from the Chapel for about a quarter of a mile, heavily guarded by police and elements of the Household Cavalry.

It is a shame that the public are not allowed to watch the service and investiture on television. At least Hello! magazine didn’t have the monopoly this time.

Perhaps the Way Forward Group could consider opening this splendid event to public view at its next meeting?