PRINCE Harry and girlfriend Chelsy Davy have split just weeks after returning from holiday together, royal sources claimed yesterday.
The pair are said to have decided to go their separate ways after dating for five years, and sources confirmed the couple had parted after the story appeared on the News of the World website.
The tabloid claimed the precise reasons for the spilt w
ere not known, but friends of 23-year-old law student Chelsy are said to have indicated that the break-up was her decision, citing long periods of time apart and Harry's lifestyle as key factors.
A royal source confirmed last night that the pair had split but said the separation was amicable and they remained friends.
Recent reports have suggested the couple found themselves spending less time together, with their respective careers taking them on different paths and into different circles. Harry, 24, began intensive training to become an Army Air Corps helicopter pilot on Monday, while Chelsy is reportedly studying a post-graduate law course at Leeds University.
The break-up comes after the pair spent some of the festive period on holiday in Mauritius.
They began dating in 2004. Three years later, at the end of 2007, the pair broke-up for a brief period, but were soon back together.
During the early years of their relationship the couple did their best to avoid making headlines, but in April 2007 their relationship became more public.
The pair were spotted watching England play Australia at the cricket World Cup, with pictures showing Harry kissing Davy in the stands of Antigua's Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
Later that month they also appeared together watching Chelsea play in a Champions League match at Stamford Bridge.
For almost three years, they sustained a long-distance relationship. After leaving school, Davy began studying at university in Cape Town, while Harry began his military training at Sandhurst in 2005, later becoming a Cornet in the Blues and Royals.
Davy is the daughter of millionaire hunting safari operator Charles Davy, whose Zimbabwean connections have, in the past, generated media scrutiny.
In an interview to mark his 21st birthday in September 2005, a devoted Harry described his girlfriend as "very special" and "amazing". "I would love to tell everyone how amazing she is. But, you know, that is my private life and once I start talking about that then I've left my own self open, and if anyone asks me in the future, then they'll say: 'Oh well, hang on, you told them but why aren't you telling us?'" he said.
It was reported that the couple's first separation came after the Prince missed her 22nd birthday party to go to the Rugby World Cup Final in Paris.
Prince Harry's office at St James's Palace declined to comment on the latest reports.
The full article contains 477 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
