Cressida Bonas has been asked to co-host a formal palace dinner with Prince Harry, signalling royal recognition of her status as the prince’s partner.
The dinner, to be held at St James’s Palace on March 27, will honour war heroes. She will attend as partner of host Harry, who is patron of the Walking With The Wounded charity.
While her duties will not include formally greeting guests, as the Duchess of Cambridge would when hosting events with Prince William, she will effectively share hosting duties with the prince.
The charity helps injured veterans who are dealing with life-changing injuries, and organised a 335km trek to the South Pole last year.
“Harry and his mates went through thick and thin together, so the dinner party will be a really relaxed and jovial affair,” a source has said.
“But there is no doubt it will be a royal banquet, albeit a private one.”
Another source has added that while it is not technically an official royal event, the dinner marks a significant step in the relationship of Harry, 29, and 25-year-old Cressie.
It is the latest in a series of official events for the couple, who have been dating for two years, and publicly signals just how serious their relationship is, not just to them but also to the royal family.
For instance, they recently appeared together at Wembley Arena for We Day UK, engaging in several public displays of affection, and were also seen looking cosy at the RBS Six Nations match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium.
The St James’s Palace dinner will be held in the State Apartments, generally used for State visits and hosting receptions.
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