Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, has built a strong circle of friends from various backgrounds, including childhood companions, fellow royals, and celebrity acquaintances. Despite moving to Montecito, California, with Meghan Markle, he maintains close relationships with friends who have supported him throughout major milestones in his life. These friendships span from his school years to his time in the military and his philanthropic efforts worldwide.
Here’s a look at some of Prince Harry’s closest friends:
- Prince Seeiso of Lesotho: Co-founder of Sentebale with Prince Harry, Seeiso is a royal from Lesotho who became like a brother to Harry after they bonded over losing their mothers.
- Nacho Figueras: The Argentine polo player is a longtime friend and teammate in charity matches. He attended Harry’s wedding and frequently speaks about their friendship.
- Tom ‘Skippy’ Inskip: A childhood friend of Harry, Tom was a key figure in his social circle and hosted Harry and Meghan in Jamaica before their relationship became public.
- Jake Warren: Part of a family with long-standing royal ties, Jake’s daughter was a bridesmaid at Harry’s wedding.
- Charles & Thomas van Straubenzee: Friends from prep school, they have remained close to Harry and William for decades.
- Arthur Landon: A filmmaker and wealthy heir, Arthur joined Harry on several headline-making adventures.
- Guy Pelly: A former nightclub owner, Guy has been a friend to both princes and is godfather to Prince Louis.
- Hugh Grosvenor, Duke of Westminster: A wealthy aristocrat with deep royal connections, though Harry is not attending his upcoming wedding.
- JJ Chalmers: A former Royal Marine and Invictus Games athlete who shares a bond with Harry through military service.
A Deep Dive into Prince Harry’s Inner Circle
Prince Harry, despite his move to the U.S., continues to be surrounded by a strong support system of friends from all walks of life. From childhood companions to military veterans and fellow philanthropists, these relationships have played a crucial role in his journey.
Prince Seeiso of Lesotho: A Royal Bond
One of Prince Harry’s most meaningful friendships is with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. The two met when Harry was 18, struggling with the pressures of royalty and still grieving the loss of his mother, Princess Diana. Their friendship flourished as they bonded over their shared experiences of losing a parent. In 2006, they co-founded Sentebale, a charity that supports vulnerable children and young people in southern Africa.
Seeiso was one of the few foreign royals invited to Harry and Meghan’s wedding, and he featured in the Harry & Meghan Netflix docuseries, where Harry described Lesotho as a place that gave him “space and freedom to breathe.”
Nacho Figueras: The Polo Companion
Argentine polo player Nacho Figueras is not only a sports companion but a close confidant. The two have played together in several charity polo matches and have formed a deep friendship. Nacho frequently speaks highly of Harry, praising his character and commitment to philanthropy. He attended the royal wedding with his wife, Delfina Blaquier, and has been a consistent presence in Harry’s social life.
A famous moment between the trio happened at the Sentebale Polo Cup when Harry and Meghan shared a public kiss—only to be humorously interrupted by Nacho in the background.
Tom ‘Skippy’ Inskip: A Childhood Confidant
Tom Inskip, known as “Skippy”, has been part of Harry’s life since childhood. He was with Harry through his rebellious years, joining him on several adventures, including the infamous Las Vegas trip. Despite reports of tensions after Harry’s wedding, Skippy remains an important figure in his early years.
Jake Warren: Family Ties and Racing Traditions
Jake Warren and his family have been closely linked to the royals for generations. His father, John Warren, was the late Queen’s racing manager. Jake and his wife, Zoe, were given the honor of having their daughter, Zalie Warren, as a bridesmaid at Harry’s wedding. The two have shared a lifelong connection through their families’ deep-rooted ties to horse racing and aristocracy.
Charles and Thomas van Straubenzee: Schoolyard Bonds
Charles and Thomas van Straubenzee have been close friends of both Harry and William since childhood, having attended Ludgrove Prep School together. Charles was an usher at Harry’s wedding, and the brothers have maintained strong ties with the royal family for years.
Charlie, in particular, has been seen frequently with Harry, attending events such as the Rugby World Cup in 2015 and spending time together socially.
Arthur Landon: The Adventurous Friend
A filmmaker and heir to a large fortune, Arthur Landon is known as one of Britain’s wealthiest young men. He was part of Harry’s close-knit group that made headlines during the Las Vegas trip, though he has denied involvement in the most scandalous moments. Arthur has attended several royal weddings and remains a known figure in royal circles.
Guy Pelly: The Party Planner Turned Family Friend
A former nightclub owner, Guy Pelly was responsible for planning Prince William’s bachelor party. Though he was once known for his wild partying, he has remained a trusted friend of both princes. His close ties to the royal family are further cemented by his role as Prince Louis’ godfather.
Hugh Grosvenor, Duke of Westminster: The Wealthy Aristocrat
The Duke of Westminster, Hugh Grosvenor, is one of the wealthiest people in the world, with strong connections to the royal family. His mother is Prince William’s godmother, and Hugh is Prince George’s godfather. Despite their closeness, reports suggest Harry will not attend the Duke’s upcoming wedding due to scheduling conflicts with Princess Lilibet’s birthday.
JJ Chalmers: A Military Bond
A former Royal Marine and Invictus Games athlete, JJ Chalmers met Harry through their shared military background. Chalmers has praised Harry for his work with wounded veterans and has continued to support his initiatives.
Their bond is not just professional; they share a close personal friendship. JJ’s son, James, and Harry’s son, Archie, even have similar tastes in children’s shows, with both being fans of The Octonauts.
The Strength of Lasting Friendships
Despite moving to California, Prince Harry’s close friendships have endured. From childhood friends to fellow veterans and philanthropists, his inner circle reflects his diverse experiences and the people who have supported him throughout his life. These friendships highlight his deep connections beyond the royal family and show the strength of bonds formed through loyalty, shared experiences, and mutual support.
While Harry’s life has changed significantly in recent years, his friends continue to play an essential role in his personal and professional journey, proving that no matter where he goes, he remains deeply connected to those who have stood by him through the years
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