Prince Harry has been named the world's most eligible bachelor by Town and Country magazine, and the title will be no doubt make the royal smile as he prepares to return home after a four month tour of duty in Afghanistan.
The prominent lifestyle magazine put Harry, 28, in their top spot ahead of golfer Adam Scott, who was runner-up, and Andrew Lauren, the eldest child and heir of fashion tsar Ralph. Hollywood actor George Clooney and Taylor Swift's former boyfriend Connor Kennedy, who is an extended member of the American political dynasty, were also on the list. The publication describes Harry as "the wild-card royal, the naughty one," and adds, "that's why we all like him best". They also claim the third-in-line is "cooler and more appealing than his older brother, sweet as William undoubtedly is." Harry may contest that view, as the Duke of Cambridge and his wife Kate are perhaps the people he will be most eager to talk to as soon as he touches down on British soil after returning from Camp Bastion.
The royal still hasn't seen his brother and sister-in-law since they announced that they are expecting their first child.
The palace recently revealed that the expectant Duchess' due date is in July. When that day comes, Harry is likely to be named as a godparent to the royal baby, as is Kate's sister Pippa Middleton. Tradition states that the 'best man' and maid of honour from a couple's wedding are usually offered the role. If this rule is followed, then the aunt and uncle-to-be are dead certs. Both played a pivotal role in 2011's royal wedding, are extremely close to the first-time parents and share a blood tie with their future niece or nephew. In the meantime, the next big event for the Windsors will be welcoming their pilot prince back into the fold. In September, Harry flew to Camp Bastion, in Helmand province. He took up a four-month tour of duty as a co-pilot gunner, flying attack helicopters in the fight against the Taliban.
It marked the beginning of the royal's second tour in Afghanistan. His first deployment as a forward air controller in 2008 was interrupted – much to his disappointment – after his location was revealed by the US media. When he returned last year, commanding officer, Captain Jock Gordon of the Royal Navy extended a warm welcome to the Queen's grandson, whom he referred to as Captain Wales, and said: "His previous experience will make him a useful asset. "He'll be in a difficult and demanding job, and I ask that he be left to get on with his duties." Prince Charles also declared that he was "immensely proud of his son", and the heir to the throne can now look forward to having his youngest child back home soon. No date has yet been announced by Clarence House, but the Prince's return to British soil is thought to be imminent.
