PRINCE William was right to warn Harry about his whirlwind romance with Meghan, a royal expert has said.
Harry and Meghan dramatically quit their jobs as working royals in 2020 - just two years after their Windsor Castle wedding.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said Meghan should have been given more time to decide if she could "hack" being a royal.
She compared Harry and Meghan's hasty courtship with the slow-burn romance of William and Kate.
Speaking on The Sun's Royal Exclusive show, Bond said: "Kate was given ten years to peer into the goldfish bowl of royal life.
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"I think it was brilliant she saw all the restrictions and glare of publicity it brings.
"Because their courtship was so long, she was able to judge that she could hack it - and William could see that too.
"This is why William was correct to guide or warn Harry 'Are you sure you're not going a bit fast in this relationship with Meghan?'
"It affronted Harry to be questioned like that but I think it came from a good place.
"If you look at the marriages which really have 'survived', Sophie Wessex is another example.
"She again had a long courtship with Edward - they more or less lived together before marriage.
"That is one of the most delightfully happy marriages in the royal family."
Bond also told how she watched Harry grow up - and revealed why he'll never return to royal life.
The former BBC royal correspondent said Harry would be a "great asset" for the palace.
But she said California-based Harry now has the "domestic bliss" he lacked as a child.
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Appearing on the latest episode of The Sun's Royal Exclusive show, Bond said: "I can't see Harry returning, really.
"And yes - I do miss him. Harry was the most popular royal a couple of years ago, wasn't he?
"Having watched him grow up and knowing him just a little bit, he was a wonderful little boy and a charming, jovial adolescent.
"At least that's what we saw. He was brilliant for the royal family, he did bring a natural common touch and relatability.
"They would have been a great asset had he stayed but I don't think he will return.
"If I did pray I would pray that he has a happy life now with all that he wanted.
"The freedom he craved, the wife he loves and the children he adores.
"The model of domestic bliss that he didn't have in his own adolescence.
"I wish him all the best."
It comes after Harry said he was unable to return with Meghan, Archie and Lilibet to the UK "because it is too dangerous".
Harry lost his legal fight against the removal of his taxpayer-funded UK security in February.
The Sussexes were stripped of their round-the-clock protection when they stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
They now live in a mansion in Montecito with their two children, Archie and Lilibet.
