Proud Chelsy, William and Charles look on as Prince Harry gets campaign medal from Aunty Anne
By BETH HALE -
More by this author » Last updated at 16:04pm on 5th May 2008
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The broad smile spoke volumes.
Chelsy Davy was every inch the the proud girlfriend yesterday as she appeared at her first public engagement with the Royal Family.
With her blonde hair flowing and wearing a white fitted jacket and brown skirt, cut just above the knee, she beamed in delight as she watched her boyfriend Prince Harry receive his first Army campaign medal.
While her face was wreathed in smiles, it was her very presence - seated next to Prince William and his father Prince Charles - that spoke the most about the strength of the relationship between the young officer and his Zimbabwean girlfriend.
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Proud moment: seated alongside Prince Williams and Prince Charles, a beaming Chelsy Davy looks on admiringly as Prince Harry receives his medal
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It was the first time that 22-year-old Chelsy has appeared with the Royal Family at what may have been described as a private engagement, but was very much a public appearance.
Chelsy, who is studying at Leeds University, broke up with Harry late last year after complaining about his endless partying and lack of commitment to their relationship. But he convinced her to give their relationship another go.
And there could be no greater sign of just far the couple, who have now been together for four years, have come than today's appearance.
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Family affair: known for his banter while on the front line, Prince Harry shares a joke with his aunt, Princess Anne, as she presents him with his campaign medal
The millionaire's daughter smiled and chatted to Prince William in the front row at the ceremony at Combermere Barracks in Windsor as a total of 170 members of the Household Cavalry Regiment were decorated for their service in Afghanistan.
A hangar, normally used as a tank garage, was the setting for the ceremony.
Honour: the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan is round and silver showing Harry's grandmother the Queen on one side and the Union Flag and compass on the reverse
Prince Charles sat next to his eldest son, while to the right of Chelsy was Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Griffin, the commanding officer of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
Harry, 23 - Lieutenant Wales as he is known in the Army - was presented with his medal by his aunt, the Princess Royal, in her capacity as colonel of the Blues and Royals.
He grinned and blushed as the princess pinned the Afghanistan medal on his chest.
Harry and his comrades were being presented with the medals for serving in Helmand Province.
The prince's planned four-month tour of duty was cut short after ten weeks in February when a news blackout agreement broke down and details of his deployment were reported around the world.
Despite being cut short, the brief chance to serve his country with his fellow soldiers away from the glare of the public eye made an impression on the prince.
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Me and my man: Chelsy with Harry after the service to commemorate the lives of those who have died in Afghanistan
Double-take: in uniform Harry is strikingly a chip off the old block when seen alongside his father Charles, pictured in 2004
So it was with pride that he marched through the streets of Windsor in the sunshine yesterday morning. The 10-minute parade to the Garrison church for a thanksgiving - and memorial - service was led by the band of the Blues and Royals.
The Prince, dressed in fatigues and blue beret, was once again just one of a team as marched straight-faced in the middle row.
The hundreds of well-wishers, who had lined the route, were there for the regiment, and not just a royal prince. They clapped, cheered and waved flags as the troops filed past. Others hung out of the windows of their homes to watch the soldiers.
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Respect: crowds turned out in Windsor to salute Harry and his fellow soldiers. There was also the odd lone protester, left
The faces of all the men on parade lifted with delight at the warmth of the reception.
Looking dashing at the front of his group Harry was not alone in relaxing from brisk stride into just a hint of swagger as they reached Holy Trinity church where they were joined by their families for a short service.
As they prepared to enter the church, several soldiers were visibly moved by the warmth of the reception. Corporal Andrew Marsh, 37, said: "It brings a tear to your eye, it's absolutely brilliant. This is the first time I've been on a parade like this and it's superb. It makes you proud."
Staff Corporal Alan Hughes, 39, was met by his wife Kim and their two children at the steps of the church. He said: "It's a great response, it shows that folks are really behind us."
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Devoted: Chelsy outside the ceremony ready to be a support to her boyfriend Prince Harry
As for Harry, he said: "He was a troop leader and he did a fantastic job, we were very fortunate to have him and it was a great shame when he had to go back - for him and for us because there had been some bonding with all of us."
Among those wanting to show their support were Jean and Jeff Scarf, and their three-year-old grandson Connor Wignall.
"We want them to know they've done a good job. We love the bands and wanted to see the parade but it's more than that, it's a mark of respect to come here," said Mr Scarf.
The only dissenting voice came from lone anti-war protester.
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Support squad: Chelsy smiled and chatted with the Royal Family as the 170 members of the Household Cavalry Regiment were honoured today
Marcus Scott, 40, from Staines who served in the Parachute Regiment for 10 years had a small banner which read 'Afghanistan - Little Britain's Nam".
He said: "What are we doing there? The minute we leave Afghanistan all the people who collaborated and sympathised with the allied troops will wish we were never there as they will face reprisals."
The religious event was a far cry from the dusty plains of Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan where 170 servicemen from the Household Cavalry Regiment (HCR) were deployed in September last year.
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By his side: Chelsy's presence at the ceremony is a sign of how much she is accepted by the Royal Family
Chelsy greeted Harry on his return from Afghanistan and their relationship appears to have once again found secure footing.
It is said to be her choice to have adopted a low public profile previously, not liking to garner attention. At his Sandhurst passing out ceremony she opted not to attend, not wanting to make a fuss. Instead she accompanied him to the evening ball. With all eyes on Prince William and his girlfriend Kate Middleton, it seems that it is his younger brother's relationship that has been flourishing.
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