In the summer of 2017, a soft-spoken bomb disposal expert walked into the Love Island villa and immediately stood out. She wasn't your typical reality star. She was eloquent, deeply empathetic, and carried a secret that the British tabloids were desperate to crack. That secret? A rumored summer fling with none other than Prince Harry.
The connection between Camilla Thurlow and Prince Harry isn't just a bit of reality TV lore. It’s a genuine overlap between two very different worlds: the high-stakes humanitarian circuit and the intense spotlight of the British Royal Family. While Harry has since moved on to life in California with Meghan Markle, and Camilla has built a beautiful family with her Love Island partner Jamie Jewitt, people still wonder what actually went down during that quiet window in 2014.
The 2014 Connection: How They Met
They didn't meet at a glitzy red carpet event.
Instead, the spark reportedly flew through their shared passion for landmine clearance. Camilla, a former Miss Edinburgh, was working for The HALO Trust, the very same charity that Princess Diana famously championed. Harry had become a patron of the trust in 2013.
Sources at the time, including Us Weekly, reported that the pair were introduced by Harry’s cousin, Princess Beatrice. It makes sense. They moved in the same philanthropic circles. In July 2014, rumors reached a fever pitch when they were allegedly spotted "getting cozy" and sharing a kiss at the Tonteria nightclub in London's Sloane Square.
The French Riviera Trip
Not long after that London night, the rumor mill went into overdrive. Reports surfaced that Harry had whisked Camilla away on a private yacht to the French Riviera. They weren't alone—Harry's close friend Ben Goldsmith and his then-fiancée Jemima Jones were reportedly on board.
It sounded like the start of a royal fairytale. The media was already comparing Camilla to Kate Middleton, noting her poise and dark hair. But as quickly as the rumors started, they seemed to fizzle out.
Why?
According to a friend who spoke to Celebs Now years later, Camilla might have been the one to pull back. The source claimed Harry found her amazing and wanted something serious, but Camilla was allegedly hesitant to open up. Dealing with the Royal Family isn't just dating; it's a lifestyle overhaul.
"A Lady Never Tells": The Love Island Moment
Fast forward to 2017. Camilla is on Love Island, and the producers are clearly hoping for some royal tea. During a game of Truth or Dare, fellow islander Sam Gowland asked the question everyone wanted to hear: "Is it true you used to date Prince Harry?"
Camilla’s response was a masterclass in class.
"Honestly, a lady never tells," she said, blushing while sipping her wine.
She never denied it. She never milked it for fame. In fact, she later admitted she was terrified of being known simply as "Harry's girl." She wanted to be seen for her work and her own personality.
Why It Matters
Looking back, the brief link between Camilla Thurlow and Prince Harry tells us a lot about who they both are as people.
- They both value substance. They met through charity work, not a celebrity dating app.
- Discretion is key. Camilla’s refusal to "dish the dirt" is likely one of the reasons they got along in the first place.
- The "normalcy" factor. Harry has always been drawn to women who have their own careers and passions outside of the palace walls.
Life After the Rumors
Honestly, everything worked out for the best.
💡 You might also like: Lauren and Cameron Hamilton: What Most People Get Wrong About Reality TV’s "Golden Couple"
Camilla found her "real prince" in Jamie Jewitt. They are now married and have three children. Their relationship is often cited as the most successful and healthy to ever come out of the Love Island franchise. They use their platform for environmental activism and humanitarian causes, staying true to the values Camilla had long before she ever met a prince.
Harry, of course, found Meghan. Interestingly, Camilla even spoke kindly of Meghan Markle before entering the villa, calling her "amazing and beautiful" and praising her humanitarian work.
What You Can Learn From This
The story of Camilla and Harry is a lesson in quiet dignity. In an era where everyone is trying to go viral by oversharing, Camilla Thurlow proved that you can have a high-profile past and still maintain your privacy.
If you want to follow in her footsteps of meaningful work and healthy relationships, here are a few things to consider:
- Prioritize shared values. Whether it’s charity work or a hobby, the strongest connections are built on what you both care about.
- Protect your peace. You don't owe the world the details of your private life, no matter who you've dated.
- Stay true to your career. Camilla never let the "royal" label define her; she went back to her explosive ordnance disposal work and later her activism.
For those interested in the HALO Trust's ongoing work that originally brought these two together, you can find updates on their current landmine clearance projects in Ukraine and beyond. It's a reminder that while celebrity gossip is fun, the work being done behind the scenes is what actually changes the world.