Royal engagement: A look back at Prince Harry’s girlfriends before Meghan Markle

TISSUES at the ready — the world’s most eligible bachelor is off the market.

Prince Harry, 33, has announced his engagement to US TV star Meghan Markle.

The fifth-in-line to the throne began dating the 36-year-old actor, best known for her role as Rachel Zane in legal drama Suits, in October 2016.

Rumours have been rife ever since Ms Markle was said to have pulled out of Thanksgiving celebrations in Los Angeles to be in London, reports The Sun .

Royal watchers have noticed that Ms Markle is very different from Harry’s usual type.

His exes include a Burberry model, a singer and a reality show starlet. Here are the ones who got away:

ELLIE GOULDING

 

My bracelet with @daisy_jewellery in aid of @wwf_uk (all profits) is the perfect little Christmas gift ? 25% off, as a Black Friday markdown. Check out Daisy’s website, link in bio ? big love x

A post shared by elliegoulding (@elliegoulding) on Nov 26, 2017 at 7:11am PST

Harry is believed to have dated Ellie Goulding, 30, after the pair was spotted packing on the PDA at a polo event in May 2016.

The couple, who have been friends since meeting at Prince William’s wedding in 2011, are said to have exchanged flirty text messages.

At the time, a source close to Harry’s circle told The Sun: “He has told friends how much he likes Ellie and she is clearly taken by him.”

Goulding is currently single after splitting from musician Dougie Poynter in March.

CRESSIDA BONAS

Cressida Bonas’ aristocratic upbringing, penchant for overalls and flowing blond hair helped her win Harry’s affections in 2012.

The prince became infatuated with the 28-year-old dance graduate after being introduced to her by his cousin, Princess Eugenie.

The free-spirited pair attended the Glastonbury music festival together, a rugby match at Twickenham and were frequently spotted around London on discreet dates.

But Burberry muse Cressida reportedly called off their two-year romance after struggling to adjust to life in the spotlight.

A friend of the couple revealed in 2014: “It’s very sad that they have decided to split but this is a completely amicable separation and they are remaining the very best of friends.”

FLORENCE BRUDENELL-BRUCE

Model Florence Brudenell-Bruce was spotted on Harry’s arm in 2011.

The 31-year-old, whose nickname is Flee, decided to call off their brief summer fling after realising the Windsor way just wasn’t for her.

Brudenell-Bruce, who has also been linked to F1 star Jenson Button, went on to marry multi-millionaire Henry St George in a romantic ceremony in the south of France.

She and Harry remain friends.

CAROLINE FLACK

British TV host Caroline Flack revealed she was Harry’s “bit of rough” after the pair were introduced via mutual friends in 2009.

The 37-year-old presenter said they were forced to call off their romance after the “story got out”.

Flack detailed their short romance in her autobiography, Storm In A C Cup.

Flack went on to famously date another famous Harry — in the form of One Direction star Harry Styles.

MOLLIE KING

 

I loved my look for the Quickstep last night - thank you so much @lotttiepop and @lisadaveyhair for my makeover, you two are absolute treats! ? @bbcstrictly #strictly

A post shared by M O L L I E K I N G (@mollieking) on Nov 26, 2017 at 9:01am PST

Pop star Mollie King reportedly went on a few dates with Harry in 2012.

The 30-year-old singer, who is a member of Brit girl band The Saturdays, confessed to enjoying a date with the prince saying: “Yes, I have met Harry, and we did go out for a drink.”

Harry reportedly called things off and King went on to date supermodel David Gandy.

CHELSY DAVY

Prince Harry’s first love was Chelsy Davy, whose dad is a wealthy Zimbabwean landowner.

After meeting through mutual friends in 2004, the pair enjoyed a passionate on-off six-year relationship.

Davy, 31, returned to Africa to study while Harry focused on his army career and royal duties.

She later returned to the UK to take up a top job at a law firm and was seen accompanying Harry to a number of events.

Despite attending the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding in 2011, Davy admitted life as a princess wasn’t for her.

This article was first published in The Sun.