Prince Harry pledges love to girlfriend

Sep 19, 2005, 15:53 GMT

Britain's Prince Harry pledged his love to girlfriend Chelsy Davy at an impromptu ceremony while on holiday.

The besotted prince staged a secret ritual in front of a small group of friends in Botswana and vowed he will always remain true to his love.

The couple exchanged love tokens, which they hope will one day be replaced by wedding rings if they are allowed to marry by their families.

News of Harry's holiday pact shocked senior royals who believe party-loving Chelsy is unsuitable marriage material.

A source close to the royal family told Britain's Sunday Express newspaper, "Harry has been very unhappy about all the stick Chelsy has been getting and wishes he could have spoken out more publicly to defend her. This is why he declared his love to her, so that she knew he is totally serious about their relationship.

"The setting was very romantic and Harry was very genuine about the whole thing."

Sources close to Prince Charles claims the heir to the throne is not happy with his son's relationship and hopes it will come to a natural end.

One said: "He hopes Harry and Chelsy will ultimately grow apart. He feels that if he intervenes it might actually make them closer."

Chelsy, who was born in South Africa but educated in England, is planning to move back to Britain when she finishes her commerce degree at Cape Town University next year.

Copyright 2005 BANG Media International