A Zimbabwean jewelry designer once captured a prince’s heart, only to choose an ordinary life over royal splendor. When Prince Harry met Chelsy Davy in Cape Town in 2004 during his gap year, their on-and-off romance spanned seven years, marked by intense media scrutiny that ultimately drove them apart.
The Media Suffocation That Broke Them Apart
Paparazzi pursuit overwhelmed Davy. She described it to The Times as “so full-on: crazy and scary and uncomfortable,” unable to cope with constant hunting. In his memoir Spare, Harry noted she wanted no part of “a lifetime of being stalked,” leaving them with no choice but to split by 2011 after relentless tabloid attention.
She Chose to Build, Not Battle
Davy vanished from public view without interviews or public fights. She pursued gemology studies at the Gemological Institute of America and launched Aya in 2016, a fine jewelry company specializing in ethical African gemstones. This venture became her core identity, distinct from royal entanglements.
Davy met Sam Cutmore-Scott, an Oxford-educated hotelier and Eton alumnus who preferred privacy. They had son Leo in 2022 and daughter Chloe in 2024. She attended Harry and Meghan’s 2018 wedding, maintaining cordial ties amid her low-profile family life. By 2025, she balanced her business, young children, and friendships outside the spotlight.
COVID-19 Changes Everything
A 2020 family visit to her parents in Mauritius turned into months-long lockdown when borders closed. Davy later told The Evening Standard, “We got locked down on the island while visiting my parents during COVID, and while we were here, we got a bit further under the skin of the place.” This period deepened her attachment to the island’s vibrant community.
Meanwhile, Harry pursued aggressive legal action against tabloids. From 2020, he filed lawsuits against News Group Newspapers and others, culminating in a major January 2025 settlement. His memoir Spare detailed family struggles, but battles persisted despite court wins.
Two Paths Diverge Dramatically
Harry’s life involved estrangement from King Charles and Prince William, plus ongoing California scrutiny with Meghan. Davy, however, embraced tranquility. In a private beach ceremony at Paradis Beachcomber hotel, she married Cutmore-Scott three years before revealing it publicly. She wore a boho-inspired linen dress in white, adorned with beige palm-tree leaf design
Why Mauritius Called to Her
Mauritius offered a “bright, colorful, friendly” contrast to London, Davy said via Hello Magazine. Neighbors shared sunset drinks, children learned to catch crabs, and a multicultural mix of Creole, Indian, Chinese, French, and African influences fostered belonging. Her parents lived there full-time, and Mauritian cousins strengthened family ties, making it a return to roots rather than an escape.
In November 2025, Davy announced to The Evening Standard, “We’re now in the process of moving out here (semi-) full time.” The family of four planned a permanent shift from Chiswick, London, to raise their children in this haven of peace.
Davy’s path underscores diverging responses to fame’s pressures. While Harry sought justice through courts and public accounts, she prioritized construction over confrontation, securing a stable business, devoted partner, and shielded family. Her choices highlight enduring stakes: the pursuit of quiet fulfillment amid institutional demands continues to shape personal destinies.
Sources:
People Magazine – Chelsy Davy wedding photos and family details (November 2025)
The Evening Standard – Chelsy Davy exclusive interview on Mauritius relocation and wedding details (November 2025)
Hello Magazine – Secret wedding ceremony details and Mauritius lifestyle profile (November 2025)
CNN / Reuters / BBC – Prince Harry legal settlement against News Group Newspapers (January 2025)
Wikipedia – Chelsy Davy – Biographical timeline, relationship history, and business ventures
Official Aya Jewels Website – Business launch date and ethical gemstone sourcing information