A former romantic partner of Prince Harry has maintained a surprisingly close and amicable relationship with the royal family, even following his high-profile marriage. Sources indicate that Cressida Bonas, who dated the Duke of Sussex for two years, continues to be a welcome and trusted figure within royal circles.
The connection, which began over a decade ago, concluded on positive terms, allowing the friendship to evolve. An insider familiar with the situation noted that Bonas, who comes from an aristocratic background herself, never experienced a fractious split with Harry, making her ongoing presence within his family’s orbit a natural development.
Their initial courtship, reportedly orchestrated by Princess Eugenie, was marked by both youthful awkwardness and genuine connection. In his published writings, Harry humorously recounted a clumsy first kiss, a story that highlighted the relationship’s lighthearted beginnings. However, the bond deepened significantly when Bonas became a pivotal figure in helping him process the grief surrounding the loss of his mother, Princess Diana. He has described this emotional breakthrough as a cathartic moment that forged a unique and lasting gratitude between them.
While the romantic chapter closed, with Harry later stating the relationship lacked “everlasting love,” both individuals have moved forward. Bonas is now married and expecting her second child. Despite these life changes, she reportedly remains a regular at family gatherings, maintaining a particularly strong friendship with Princess Eugenie and a cordial relationship with other senior royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Notably, her status as a trusted friend was underscored by her inclusion on the guest list for Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Observers suggest there is no apparent tension, with the Duchess reportedly showing no objection to her husband’s former partner being present. Insiders describe Bonas as a discreet, easygoing personality who avoids drama, qualities that have allowed her to remain a harmonious and valued part of the extended royal social sphere long after her romance with Harry ended.
