(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Britain's Prince Harry has been regularly meeting up with Pippa Middleton, who affectionately calls him "Captain".
The pair sparked romance rumours after they were spotted flirting on the balcony at London's Buckingham Palace during the wedding of their siblings Prince William and Catherine Middleton. Since then their relationship has been a constant source of speculation, with the rumour mill going into overdrive following recent reports that Pippa has split from her boyfriend Alex Loudon.
The 27-year-old beauty who caused a stir when she showed off her curves in a stunning dress as she acted as Catherine's maid of honour in April is believed to have turned to Harry, 26, for support since the break-up and the pair have become close, even coming up with nicknames for each other.
"Pippa feels she can talk to Harry about anything and they've become particularly close since the royal wedding. They speak on the phone all the time and have met up at least five times since the wedding," a source told Grazia. "She helped him through his break-up with Chelsy Davy, so now he's returning the favour. They've even got nicknames for one another. She calls him Captain' and he calls her Commando' [in reference to the speculation that she might not have been wearing underwear on the royal wedding day], which always makes Pippa laugh. She thinks he's got a really cheeky sense of humour."
Pippa is believed to have called time on her romance with businessman Alex after seven months because they weren't seeing enough of each other. It has been reported Harry was one of the first people Pippa first confided in following the split, but sources insist the pair are just friends.
"After lengthy discussions they've decided to take a permanent break. It just wasn't working out as they never saw each other, and Pippa says that she is so busy at the moment she doesn't want to be tied down. But they will remain friends," the source added. "Harry has been very understanding and has been offering advice and a shoulder to cry on. He's been trying to cheer Pippa up and has even promised to set her up with some of his friends." (C) Cover Media