It was an image we’ve seen plenty of times before – Prince Harry looking happy as Larry riding a polo pony (last week, in Colorado), but it’s an image we haven’t seen for a while.
In fact, it’s quite rare these days that we see Harry out and about on his own, without wife Meghan Markle by his side, and it’s something we’re told Harry is aiming to do more often.
“Harry had such a blast in Colorado, it felt liberating and so enjoyable to be socialising again – especially for a good cause,” an insider tells heat of the Prince’s involvement in the charity polo match.
“Everyone made a huge fuss of him, he got to let loose afterwards, and he seemed happier than he has been in ages. But people seem to be noticing this side of Harry coming out more often, when Meghan’s not around and he gets to relax without the spotlight being on them as a couple. There’s less awkwardness around him and he has a far more jovial, easy-going nature, as opposed to giving out this vibe that the weight of the world’s on his shoulders. He adores his wife, of course, and the offer is always there for her to accompany him to these events. It’s just that the extra attention they get when they’re together can be draining.”
CHECK OUT Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship timeline
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship timeline
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met in London in July 2016.
2 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
They were introduced by mutual friend Markus Anderson, who is the director of Soho House.
3 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
In October 2016, the Express became the first newspaper to publish news that Prince Harry had a new girlfriend.
4 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
On November 8th 2016, Kensington Palace released an unprecedented statement which referring to Markle as Harry's girlfriend for the first time.
5 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
In the statement, Prince Harry condemned the 'wave of abuse and harrassment' faced by Markle, saying that he was 'worried about Ms. Markle's safety and is deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her.'
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'It is not right that a few months into a relationship with him that Ms. Markle should be subjected to such a storm,' the statement continued.
7 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The couple were papped together for the first time in December 2016, shopping for a Christmas tree in London at the Pines and Needles store.
8 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Later that week, they were seen on London's West End, catching a performance of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
9 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
In February, Prince Harry wore a his 'n' hers bracelet on the cover of Town & Country magazine, just weeks after Markle was pictured wearing the same one on Instagram.
10 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
In March 2017, Meghan joined Prince Harry in the Caribbean for the wedding of his friend's Tom 'Skippy' Inskip and Lara Hughes-Young.
11 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
It was the first time that Markle accompanied Harry to a wedding, marking another milestone occasion for the couple.
12 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The first public event attended by the couple was the polo at Coworth Park in May 2017.
13 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Later in May, Markle attended the party portion of Pippa Middleton's wedding to James Middelton.
14 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Prince Harry was seen driving her to the event after the church ceremony.
15 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The couple were photographed together the following day at the wheelchair tennis.
16 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The couple 'broke with royal protocol' by holding hands and appearing affectionate while at the Invictus Games.
17 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Meghan referred to Harry as her boyfriend numerous times, saying: 'We're a couple. We're in love. I'm sure there will be a time when we will have to come forward and present ourselves and have stories to tell, but I hope what people understand is that this is our time.'
18 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
In early November 2017, it was reported that Meghan Markle was leaving Suits after seven series.
19 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Much was made of Markle's choice of outfit: ripped jeans and a white blouse called 'The Husband'.
20 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Although Prince Harry was sat next to First Lady Melania Trump at the event, rather than his girlfriend, she was only seated a few rows behind him.
21 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The couple made their first official public appearance in September, when Markle attended the opening of Prince Harry's Invictus Games.
22 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
In mid-November 2017, bookies suspending betting on an impending royal engagement, as speculation grew that an announcement was about to be made.
23 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
On November 27th 2017, Prince Charles announced the engagement of his younger son Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after 15 months of dating.
24 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The couple later appeared at a photocall, with Markle wearing a white dress coat by Canadian brand Line The Label. The website has subsequently crashed.
25 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The engagement ring, by Cleave and Company, was reportedly designed by Prince Harry himself, using two stones that belonged to Princess Diana.
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When asked by waiting photographers if the proposal was romantic, Harry joked 'of course!'
27 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The couple indulged in some PDA at the closing ceremony.
28 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Meghan wore a maroon midi dress with a pleated chiffon skirt by one of her favourite Canadian brands Aritzia.
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She teamed it with a matching burgundy biker jacket by Mackage.
30 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Prince Harry reportedly spent time with Meghan's mother Doria while at the Games too.
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Prince Harry was photographed kissing Meghan.
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In late September 2017, it was reported that Meghan had met the Queen, prompting speculation that the relationship was getting serious.
This was Harry’s first public appearance since the couple welcomed their baby girl, Lilibet. And the 36 year old received some criticism in the process for flying home on a private jet, despite he and his wife being incredibly outspoken on the climate crisis.
The Duke of Sussex is also set to return to the UK next month for an event to honour his late mother, Princess Diana, although it’s unclear if Meghan will go with him. And our source tells us that, as much as Harry would love to have her by his side, he’s also enjoying forging his own path in this new non-royal life.
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“He’s making his own plans, both socially and professionally, and telling Meghan it’s his prerogative to enjoy some space and his new surroundings,” we’re told. “She’s happy to just kick back at home and let the world come to her, but this isn’t why Harry moved to America. The polo match was just what the doctor ordered, and he has a lot more fun excursions lined up, including the upcoming trip to England, which Meghan may or may not attend.”
The source continues, “Harry’s fine with going on his own if she can’t come with him. They’re a very devoted couple, who spend a huge amount of time together. But they’re settling into a far more realistic type of relationship, where they don’t have to be together every minute of the day.”
Read more in the latest issue of heat magazine – OUT NOW.