Spotlight burns bright on Harry

Prince, fiancée well-prepared to handle constant scrutiny

LONDON— When it comes to romance, it’s third time’s a charm for Prince Harry, who has long been one of Britain’s most eligible and wealthiest single men.

The rugged, red-bearded prince, who is now engaged to actress Meghan Markle following an announcement Monday from royal officials, has had two serious girlfriends in his life, although both seemed uncomfortable with the non-stop press interest in Britain’s senior royals.

The first was Chelsy Davy, who hails from Zimbabwe and who had an on-again, off-again relationship with Harry from 2004 until 2011. They were photographed together many times — to the delight of Britain’s tabloids — and shared a passion for African culture and wildlife.

Davy, who studied law and has launched a line of luxury jewelry, has for the most part retreated from the public eye since the couple broke up — despite rumours of a rekindled romance in 2015. In an interview with the Times newspaper last year she complained about the stress caused by the constant attention of the media.

Harry’s next serious romance was with Cressida Bonas, an up-andcoming actress whom he dated from 2012 until 2014. When they embraced in public, some took it as a signal that an engagement was near. But their relationship also foundered under the gaze of the constant press and public attention.

Markle represents a departure for Harry in that she is older than him — and she has already established herself in her field, playing a prominent role in the TV series Suits.

Being in the spotlight may help her in dealing with the press and public. And Harry has made it clear that he will do anything needed to protect Markle from unwanted attention.