From The Straits Times    |

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London – In a big hint that an engagement is coming, Prince Harry and girlfriend Cressida Bonas last Friday made their first official debut as a couple.

They chose to appear together at a charity event for children, which marked the first time she was supporting him at an official event.

Both were casually dressed – she in skinny jeans, a leather jacket and sneakers, he in jeans and a shirt.

Friday’s event was the first We Day in Britain, which supports the Free The Children charity that helps to inspire increased awareness of good citizenship in young people around the world.

Harry and Bonas had posed separately as they arrived at the Wembley Arena in London, according to reports.

But once inside, they were open about their affection for each other.

Harry delivered a speech, joking to the 12,000 schoolchildren in attendance, “If you were expecting Harry Styles, I apologise. And no, I’m not going to sing.”

From the VIP seating area, Bonas, 25, watched with family and friends and even heckled the prince while he spoke, according to a photo caption from Reuters.

Harry, 29, later joined his girlfriend at the stands to watch performers including Dizzee Rascal, Ellie Goulding and Jennifer Hudson.

She greeted him with a hug and a kiss before they sat side by side.

They are thought to have been dating since 2012. After quitting flying Apache helicopters in January for a desk-bound army job in London, he and Bonas have been seen together on more dates around London.

Friday’s event was co-hosted by Holly Branson, whose brother Sam is married to one of Bonas’ half-sisters, Isabella, it was reported.

This article was first run in The Straits Times newspaper on March 10, 2014. For similar stories, go to sph.straitstimes.com/premium/singapore. You will not be able to access the Premium section of The Straits Times website unless you are already a subscriber.