Prince Harry's ex gets her happy ever after: Cressida Bonas marries Harry Wentworth-Stanley in private before 'riding off into the sunset' on horseback as storm rages over the Duke's bombshell biography
- Cressida Bonas, 31, has married estate agent fiancé Harry Wentworth-Stanley
- Actress, who dated Prince Harry, is thought to have married over the weekend
- Photo was shared online by her brother Jacobi Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe
- Comes as storm continues to rage over Prince Harry's bombshell biography
While the Royal Family spent the weekend reeling from claims made in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's bombshell biography, his actress ex-girlfriend Cressida Bonas quietly married her strapping fiancé in a private countryside wedding.
Cressida, 31, who famously dated the Duke of Sussex, 35, for three years until 2014, tied the knot with Harry Wentworth-Stanley, the estate agent son of the Marchioness of Milford Haven, at the exclusive Cowdray Park, in Midhurst, West Sussex.
The intimate nuptials sit in stark contrast to the media furore surrounding Cressida's royal ex, 35, and his wife Meghan Markle, 38, and the publication of their explosive biography, Finding Freedom, which lays bare their rift with the Royal Family.
A friend of the bride and groom told MailOnline Cressida wanted to marry in private because she was aware Prince Harry was in the news this weekend due to the explosive biography and wanted to avoid being in the spotlight.
The 'very different' approaches to publicity has prompted speculation from royal fans over what life might have been like if Harry had married Cressida.
Cressida Bonas, 31, who famously dated the Duke of Sussex , 35, for three years, exchanged vows with Harry Wentworth-Stanley, the estate agent son of the Marchioness of Milford Haven, over the weekend at the exclusive Cowdray Park, in Midhurst, West Sussex
The socialite announced her engagement to the estate agent in August last year, popping the question with a stunning ruby ring during a trip to the US
The OTHER Harry! Who is Cressida Bonas' new well-heeled husband Harry Wentworth-Stanley?
Cressida and Harry, pictured in 2017, dated in university before rekindling their romance after her split from Prince Harry
Harry Wentworth-Stanley, an associate director at estate agents Savills, is the son of Nick Wentworth-Stanley, a debonair Old Etonian, and Clare, now the Marchioness of Milford Haven, who acquired the title upon her second marriage to Harry’s stepfather, the Marquess of Milford Haven.
Before his relationship with his now wife became official, Harry, who is dashingly handsome and 6ft 4in tall, was regarded as one of London's most eligible bachelors.
He inherited his looks from his mother, Clare, a beauty who remains stunning. There was a brother, James, four years his senior, and younger sister Louisa. When Harry was a child, his mother and father divorced. In 1997, Clare married George, Marquess of Milford Haven, a cousin of the Queen, himself divorced with two children.
The family settled at Great Trippetts, an estate set in 1,000 acres in the Sussex Downs. For a time, life was perfect. Clare stayed on good terms with her former husband, Nick Wentworth-Stanley, who went on to marry Dutch beauty Millie Brenninkmeyer, with whom he had three more children.
Shortly before Christmas 2006, the Marquess and Marchioness and their children went to stay with Nick and his wife in Worcestershire. James, Harry’s elder brother, was recovering from a relatively minor procedure. The operation was a success, but James had become very anxious in the days that followed.
Harry Wentworth-Stanley, an associate director at estate agents Savills, is the son of Nick Wentworth-Stanley, a debonair Old Etonian, and Clare, now the Marchioness of Milford Haven, who acquired the title upon her second marriage to Harry’s stepfather, the Marquess of Milford Haven. Pictured, the Marquess and Marchioness in 2017
One evening, the family were gathered in the house when they heard a shot fired. They rushed outside to find James lying dead.
The family was shattered by the tragedy.
Clare was floored by her son’s suicide. Touchingly, it was Harry, then 17, who helped her through it. She said in an interview 18 months after James’ death: ‘For the sake of the other children, you have to set an example. If you are strong, it gives them permission to be strong. If you fall to bits, they will.
Harry's father is Nick Wentworth-Stanley, pictured, a debonair Old Etonian
‘The day after James died, his brother Harry said his biggest fear was that it would destroy me, and that would destroy everything else. It suddenly made me feel how important I was.’
The couple had a serious relationship when they were both students at Leeds University. The couple were known to their crowd — for reasons that aren’t entirely clear — as ‘Water-Cress’. The romance petered out when he took off for a gap year to Argentina in 2011 after graduating.
Friends have previously said Cressida wasn’t quite over Harry when another Harry — Prince Harry himself — began pursuing her in the summer of 2012 and a romance began. There were concerts, rugby matches, skiing trips and cosy nights in at Kensington Palace.
However the couple split in 2014 after three years together.
The following year Harry Wentworth-Stanley and Cressida were photographed on a Valentine's Day date, although their relationship became public and official in 2017.
In August last year Harry proposed while on a trip to the US and the couple's smiles in the Instagram announcement told followers all they needed to know about their love for each other.
Harry as a young boy with his stepfather, Marquess of Milford Haven (left), sister Louise (front), mother Clare (centre), the Marquess' brother Lord Ivar Mouthbatten, his children Ella and Alix and then wife Penny (right) at Cowdray Park in 2001
Prince Harry and Cressida split in 2014, reportedly because Cressida was tired of the scrutiny that came with dating a member of the royal family. However the couple remain on good terms and socialise in similar circles, with Princess Eugenie, who introduced the couple, among Cressida's closest friends.
Cressida even attended her ex-boyfriend's wedding to Meghan Markle in May 2018.
A family member told MailOnline the just 30 of Cressida and Harry's closest family and friends attended the ceremony, in keeping with the government's Covid-19 restrictions.
'It was a beautiful ceremony and they are just so happy,' the source said. 'It was a very private and intimate ceremony and that is what they wanted.
'Cressida looked stunning and was radiant. We are just all so happy for them and it was a great day but they did request that no one talks about it.'
A friend added: 'Cressida did not want a big fuss,and did not want others to talk about it. You most certainly will not be seeing her wedding in Hello magazine. She is also was aware that [Prince] Harry is in the headlines and knew the attention her wedding would attract if it leaked out.'
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The bride's brother, Jacobi Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe, shared an Instagram photo of the happy couple 'riding off into their beautiful future' on horseback. Cressida is seen with her blonde hair pulled back into a casual updo and her simple white dress falling above her knees.
Cowdray estate comprises 16,500 acres and includes the pitches where Harry and brother Prince William often competed during their polo playing days. It also boasts a golf course, farm shop, cafe and holiday cottages.
The stunning 19th century Cowdray House can be rented out for weddings of up to 150 people.
The estate is owned by Viscount Cowdray, a close friend of the groom's stepfather and mother, the Marquess and Marchioness of Milford Haven whose own 1,000 acre estate, Great Trippetts, is less than 10 miles away.
The Marchioness, Clare Mountbatten, is also an avid polo player and regular at Cowdray Park. Cressida has previously been photographed at the polo park while a guest at charity events.
It is not known who attended the wedding but the couple both come from large families that would quickly make up the 30 people maximum.
Cressida is the only child of 1960s 'It' Girl Lady Mary-Gaye Curzon and her third husband, Old Harrovian entrepreneur Jeffrey Bonas.
The actress, who appeared in ITV drama White House Farm, has three half-brothers from her father Jeffrey Bonas' first marriage, George, Charles and Henry Bonas. Meanwhile her mother has four children to her first two husbands: Pandora Cooper-Key, daughter of Esmond Cooper-Key, and sculptor Georgiana Anstruther, Isabella Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe, and Jacobi Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe, the children of property developer John Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe. Isabella is married to Sir Richard Branson's son Sam.
In May Cressida hinted that their original wedding had to be postponed due to the current crisis, posting a snap as she and Harry posed in front of an 'Auto-wed' machine in fancy dress
A venue fit for a society queen! Inside Cressida and Harry's wedding venue at Cowdray Park
Cowdray Park is a world-famous estate home to royal polo matches located in West Sussex.
Almost every royal from the Queen to Prince Harry has frequented the site nestled in the South Downs to watch a polo match or two.
The park is recognised as the home of British Polo and has hosted polo for more than 100 years, with the first tournament recorded in 1910.
It also offers clay pigeon shooting and corporate activity days, as well as the more traditional activities of agriculture, forestry and property lets.
The park also has a golf course and in recent years has become a popular wedding venue for the wealthy.
Cowdray Park is a world-famous estate home to royal polo matches located in West Sussex. Pictured, Cowdray Park where society weddings are held
There are several options available to couple wanting to tie the knot on the estate, including the option of a small outdoor service in the Walled Garden, or a more formal sit-down meal in the ballroom of 19th century Cowdary House. Events can also be held at the golf clubhouse.
The house, which is available for exclusive hire, is set in extensive landscaped grounds and a manicured croquet lawn with a far-reaching view of the West Sussex South Downs, making it perfect for outdoor drinks receptions.
There are also 22 beautiful bedrooms available to the couple and their nearest and dearest.
The centrepiece of the property is Buck Hall, a stunning space with a vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows and a beautiful arched minstrel's gallery.
Harry is the second child of Nick-Wentworth-Stanley and his first wife Clare, now Marchioness of Milford Haven. His older brother James Wentworth-Stanley, took his own life in 2006 at the age of 21, and he has a younger sister, Louisa, born in 1993.
His father went onto have three more children with his second wife, Mille Brenninkmeyer, while his mother, now Marchioness of Milford Haven, inherited two stepchildren on her marriage to the Queen's cousin, George Mountbatten.
Cressida, who appeared in this year's ITV drama White House Farm, announced her engagement to estate agent Harry in August 2019. The couple first dated while studying at university before rekindling their romance in 2017.
In May she hinted that their original wedding had to be postponed due to the current crisis, posting a snap as she and Harry posed in front of an 'Auto-wed' machine in fancy dress outfits.
Sharing the photo on Instagram, Cressida wished her beau a happy birthday before commenting: 'Well, if all else fails there’s always Auto Wed...! Happy birthday my heart. #OneDay.'
Cressida and Prince Harry broke up in 2015 after she was said to have struggled with the pressure of royal life during her romance with the Queen's grandson. Pictured, in March 2014
The actress has previously revealed how her 'dream day' was a small, non-traditional wedding not in a church - the complete opposite to her ex-boyfriend's nuptials. Pictured: Cressida at Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle in May 2018
Be the best dressed wedding guest like Cressida wearing Eponine
We'd love to know what Cressida Bonas wore to tie the knot, but for now let's look back at one of her beautiful wedding guest outfits...
This was the dress she wore to attend Meghan and Harry's big day, and it was certainly one of the most memorable looks of the day for us. We love the fit and flare shape and multicoloured woven striped design on this number, which was custom-made for her by Eponine.
The London-based brand's fan club includes the Duchess of Cambridge and Helen Mirren so Cressida's in good company. This exact style isn't up for grabs, but you can shop the current collection by clicking the link (right) now.
Alternatively, shop the similar striped midis we've found for you at the likes of Stine Goya, Traffic People and more.
In January, Cressida opened up about her plans for the big day, revealing she wanted to have a 'small' non-traditional ceremony.
Writing in The Spectator, she said she 'upset' her father by telling him she planned to get hitched under a tree, saying: 'He looked at me as if I had completely lost the plot, then he insisted that we say our vows in a church.'
She said she was stunned that everyone around her seemed to have 'very strong opinions' about her wedding, but she disagreed with 'nearly all of them'.
The actress said she dreamed of having a small wedding, before realising her guest list, combined with her fiancé's, comes to 120 people in total.
Her desired big day is almost the exact opposite of ex-boyfriend Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan in May 2018.
The royal couple had a huge ceremony at Windsor Chapel, with more than 2,000 guests in attendance, including Cressida.
Cressida and Prince Harry broke up in 2015 after she was said to have struggled with the pressure of royal life during her romance with the Queen's grandson.
A royal romance: How Cressida Bonas won Prince Harry's heart... before the strain of public scrutiny led to their split
After his seven-year relationship with Zimbabwean beauty Chelsy Davy came to an end, Prince Harry found love with Cressida Bonas.
The couple reportedly started dating in May 2012 after being introduced by Princess Eugenie, the prince's cousin and a close friend of Cressida's. Sparks are thought to have flown between Harry, then 28, and Cressida, then 23, at The Valley festival in the grounds of the Hampshire estate of Harry's friend Arthur Landon.
In the July of that year Harry and Cressida were spotted partying in Mayfair after the star-studded premiere of summer blockbuster Batman: The Dark Knight Rises.
Prince Harry and Cressida Bonas started dating in the spring of 2012. Two years later the couple made their first official public appearance at a royal engagement when Cressida joined Harry at the WE Day event at Wembley, pictured
Things were definitely heating up because the following month they were both invited to Sam Branson's birthday party on his father Sir Richard Branson's private Necker Island in the Caribbean. Sam is married to Isabella Calthorpe, Cressida's half-sister, and enjoys a close relationship with his sister-in-law.
However the couple reportedly hit a rocky patch just shortly after the trip away, when photos emerged showing Prince Harry naked on a Las Vegas holiday.
Despite the blip, Harry and Cressida remained together and reportedly wrote to each other frequently when the prince was deployed to Afghanistan in September 2012 for his second tour.
Certainly the bond between them was evident when they were spotted canoodling on the slopes of a Swiss ski resort in February 2013.
The couple chose to stay largely out of the spotlight and took steps not to be photographed together, such as arriving separately to the wedding of Lady Melissa Percy and Thomas van Straubenzee, Harry's close childhood friend, at Alnwick, Northumberland.
Cressida and Harry stayed largely out of the spotlight but made an appearance in March 2014 to watch England take on France in the Six Nations at Twickenham
The summer of fun continued with trips to Glastonbury and Womad festival in Wiltshire, as well as an outing to watch Mumford and Sons at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. Their dates that autumn included watching The Book of Mormon on the West End and a James Blunt gig.
In one of the greatest shows of the seriousness of their relationship, in October 2013 Cressida was invited to spend the weekend at Sandringham, the Queen's private Norfolk home. The support of his grandmother was a sign that the prince was committed to Cressida.
Months later the couple once again spent a weekend with the Bransons, this time at the family's home in Kidlignton, Oxfordshire.
The couple appeared to be going from strength to strength because in March 2014 Cressida joined Prince Harry at an official engagement for the first time. She was in the crowd to support him when he launched the WE Day UK young people's charity event with a speech at Wembley Arena.
Prince Harry and Cressida Bonas remain in similar social circles and attend some of the same events. Pictured, Cressida arriving at Princess Eugenie's wedding, which Harry also attended
That same week the couple famously watched England take on Wales in a Six Nations match at Twickenham and were photographed putting on a romantic display in the stands.
However the romance wasn't to last. In April 2014, just a month after the couple returned from a skiing trip to Kazakhstan, sources close to Harry and Cressida had split but remained on good terms.
It is thought Cressida did not want the level of public scrutiny that came with dating the prince and was keen to carve out her own career.
In February 2015, Cressida was seen on a Valentine's Day date with her now husband. Prince Harry met Meghan Markle on a blind date in the summer of 2016.
Harry and Cressida continued to run in similar social circles, popping up at some of the same society events and weddings.
Indeed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle even invited Cressida - and Chelsy Davy - to their wedding in May 2018.
