The Duke of Sussex has spent much of the past six years building a new life in California with Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. But long before his move across the Atlantic, Harry had a close circle of friends and confidants in Britain, some of whom had been by his side since childhood.
From school friends who shared his younger, wilder years to trusted figures who supported him following the death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, several people became an important part of Harry's life. Some have also remained connected to Prince William and the wider Royal Family despite the brothers' well-documented differences.
As Harry looks towards his return home, we take a look at five of the people who were once among his closest companions in Britain and where their lives have taken them since.
School friends and childhood companions
Tom "Skippy" Inskip goes back a long way with Harry, with the pair becoming friends during their school days at Eton. He was part of the Duke's close circle during his younger years, when the friends were often seen enjoying nights out and holidays together. Their families also have a connection, as Tom's father, Owen Inskip, has been a friend of King Charles. The friendship reportedly hit a difficult patch around the time Harry's relationship with Meghan became serious, but the pair are said to have since reconciled.
Charlie van Straubenzee has known Harry since they were boys at Ludgrove School. Harry also became close to Charlie's brothers, Thomas and Henry, with the families sharing a friendship that has lasted into adulthood. Henry tragically died in a car crash in 2002, aged 18. Charlie remained firmly in Harry's circle and was involved in his 2018 wedding to Meghan, before Harry attended Charlie's own wedding to Daisy Jenks later that year. Charlie, now a businessman and father of three, is also a godfather to Prince Archie.
Trusted figures from royal life
Guy Pelly was a familiar face alongside both Harry and William during the princes' younger days. Known as one of the more fun-loving members of their social circle, he was even dubbed a "third brother" to the pair. But his friendship with the royals has stretched well beyond their partying years. Both brothers attended his 2014 wedding to Elizabeth Wilson, while Guy organised William's stag do and was later chosen as a godfather to Prince Louis. He has also reportedly spent time with Harry and Meghan in California.
Mark Dyer, or "Marko" as Harry knows him, has occupied a slightly different place in the Duke's life. The former Welsh Guards officer worked as a royal aide and became a mentor to Harry while he was growing up. Their bond went far beyond official royal duties, with Dyer becoming someone the young prince trusted and confided in. Harry has spoken about their closeness over the years, while Dyer remained part of major moments in his adult life and attended Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018.
A childhood nanny's lasting bond
Tiggy Legge-Bourke was not one of Harry's school friends, but few people outside his family were as closely involved in his childhood. Now known by her married name, Alexandra Pettifer, she became nanny to William and Harry after Charles and Diana separated. She travelled with the young princes and was there during some of the most difficult years of their childhood, including following Diana's death in 1997. Her formal royal role eventually ended, but her relationship with the brothers endured. She was among the guests invited to Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018.
