Harry is revelling in his time without Meghan – we’re FINALLY seeing glimpses of the old fun-loving Prince, expert says
THE “old Harry” came back as he relaxed with mates after Meghan Markle left the Invictus Games, claimed a royal expert.
The Duke, 40, was left on his lonesome this Valentine’s Day after wife Meg jetted back to their Montecito mansion to look after Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.
The couple had been packing on the PDA at several Invictus Games appearances, although some experts claimed it looked “forced”.
New snaps of a relaxed Harry sipping beers and laughing with his pals after the Duchess’ departure have since appeared.
Now he’s on his own at the Invictus games, you see more of the old Harry. More of his personality comes across, and he’s not in the shadow of Meghan
Phil Dampier
Royal biographer Phil Dampier told The Sun, we are seeing glimpses of “the old Harry”, as we did on his previous solo engagements last year.
He hailed the former soldier a “hero”, while comparing him to “professional actress” Meghan’s love of the limelight.
“I think that Harry looks happier on his own away from Meghan,” said the expert.
“Sometimes I think when he’s with her he feels a little bit in her shadow, and she tends to sort of dominate proceedings.
“And as a professional actress she’s got all the attributes to know which levers to pull, to get publicity and to be seen, and to get her message across.
“But I think when he’s on his own he looks more relaxed, and he’s been seen having a few beers with friends.”
The royal expert said this time with mates is “a good thing for him” and not something he often gets to enjoy in California.
Mr Dampier also noted how comfortable Harry feels at the Invictus Games, having served 10 years in the Armed Forces.
Meghan and Harry have been seen separately at a plethora of engagements since last year, fuelling rumours of a “professional separation”.
The royal expert said the Duke “does come across as more relaxed and more at home” when his wife is not with him.
Despite speculation, the Sussexes had been seen holding hands, kissing and giggling at the Games,
But some suggested the overt loved-up displays may have underlying meanings.
One body language expert analysed their PDA as a “two fingers salute to Donald Trump” – who branded Meghan a “terrible” wife.
While another said it was an insincere performance concocted by the Duchess to prove their love during a turbulent time.
“So to the outside world, giving the impression that the marriage is going well, despite rumours. They look to be fairly sort of loved up, but not together on Valentine’s Day,” added Mr Dampier.
“The moment they seem to know the cameras are on them Megan will tend to lean in for a kiss or a cuddle.
Meghan jets off solo with pair spending Valentine’s apart
By Amelia Stout
PRINCE Harry was spotted enjoying a boozy night out with a rugby legend, after Meghan jetted off home on her own.
The pair spent Valentine’s Day apart, after the Duchess, 43, decided to fly back to California from Vancouver, Canada, where they had been attending the Invictus Games together.
The event, established by ex-soldier Harry in 2014, involves a line-up of sporting events for injured military servicemen and women.
After Meghan caught her private jet back home, Harry, 40, relaxed over a beer with former New Zealand captain Richie McCaw, 44.
They were spotted in the stands at the wheelchair rugby – as the USA and Australia battled it out for the bronze medal.
In snaps from the game, the solo prince can be seen smiling, chatting and cheers-ing with the retired rugby star – who was twice part of the World Cup winning side for the All Blacks.
He is also seen shouting at the court, as the tight match unfolds.
Team USA secured a 27-20 win – with the final set to take place between the UK and France today.
Harry is expected to attend the game, scheduled for 4.40am UK-time, along with Richie in a second outing together.
The pair previously met when Harry presented Richie with the 2015 World Cup trophy.
The Duke then joined his grandmother, the Queen, at a reception at Buckingham Palace for the team.
After returning home, Meghan shared an Instagram story on Wednesday night.
She posted a snap of various Invictus themed sweet treats with the caption: “A taste of Canada and the Invictus Games for our little ones!
“Cheering you on from home!”
She had always planned to leave early on her own to be with son Archie, five, and daughter Lilibet, three, a source close to the couple insisted.
They said: “This was always planned. Meghan is going home to be with her children.
“Meghan left the games in Dusseldorf early after five days to go home.
“This is Prince Harry‘s event and she is there to support him but this was planned.”
“There are all sorts of rumours, but certainly she knows what to do when the cameras are on her, and she likes to give the impression to the outside world that they are a very loved up couple even after all these years.
“So yeah, so you know, it looks good on the surface.”
The royal biographer praised Harry for his Invictus Games work.
He claimed while the dad-of-two is “popular” and well-received, Meghan is known to steal the spotlight.
“You’re not going to hear anyone at the Invictus games criticize Harry,” he said.
“He’s a hero to the soldiers, and to all the competitors and their families who take part in this event a fantastic event that he founded and everyone is always delighted to see him there, he’s so popular there, they’re just pleased to see him now.
“Some people have said the PDAs between Harry and Meghan have taken away a bit from the actual event and sort of hogging all the headlines.
“It’s a double-edged sword that the fact that they are so famous does get attention for the event.
“But some people say it takes away, takes away a bit of focus on what they’re actually supposed to be there for.
“So it’s a problem, but I think when certainly now he’s on his own, or has been on his own for the last couple of days, I think he can really get stuck into supporting the games.”
He dubbed Meghan the “dominant partner” and claimed the Duke “tends to be slightly different” when he’s with her.
“So I think some of these jobs that he’s come over to the UK and done on his own, and now he’s on his own at the Invictus games, you see more of the old Harry. More of his personality comes across, and he’s not in the shadow of Meghan,” Mr Dampier added.