A former PR for the Queen said Prince Harry was a “darling” – but palace crises now make her “thank God” she doesn’t work there any more.

Ailsa Anderson was the late Queen’s press secretary from 2001 to 2013.

The young Prince Harry was a ‘darling’, Ailsa Anderson saidCredit: Getty

Harry at the UN’s HQ in New York last monthCredit: AP
She handled two Jubilees, the Queen Mother’s death, William and Kate’s wedding and the birth of Prince George.

Anderson also managed press coverage of the Queen’s historic State visit to Ireland and State Visits by US Presidents Bush and Obama.

The palace insider said Harry was a “darling” who was “absolutely loved” while she worked at Buckingham Palace.

Speaking on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, Anderson said: “I started in the palace in 2001 and finished at the end of 2013.

“Harry was the media’s darling. He was the war hero, he’d served in Afghanistan, he was a cheeky chappie.

“If you speak to royal correspondents who have been in the job a long time, they all absolutely loved Harry.

“Compared to William, in fact. William was seen as more serious and shy but Harry was the life and soul of the party.

“He couldn’t do a thing wrong. And certainly when I spoke to him, he was funny and intelligent.

“He was passionate about the military – the Invictus Games is clearly testament to that.

“I’ve got a photograph in my hall of Harry and I with our arms around each other outside a ladies’ loo – don’t read anything into this.

“It was hilarious. He was very happy to pose with a member of staff for a photograph.

“I can only speak from experience, but that was what he was like – the media’s darling.”

But asked what she thinks about recent palace crises, Ailsa said: “Thank God I’m not there.”

She added: “I do think they’re doing a brilliant job. I know quite a lot of the press officers there.

“It’s a tough job, it’s relentless, it’s 24/7. Even when you’re on holiday, you’re still getting media calls.

“I think they’re doing a terrific job, I really do – so hats off to the Royal Household.”

It comes after Harry spent the night of his milestone 40th birthday without Meghan.

The duke went on a hiking trip with pals to celebrate his big day – and did not mention his wife Meghan in his birthday thanks message.

But sources close to the couple insist it was Meghan who organised the lads’ trip.

Meghan reportedly ditched a charity event at the last minute in Santa Barbara, California, with her husband because she was “sick”.

TRIPPING UP

It comes as Harry beamed from ear to ear in photos taken on his latest trip to his beloved Africa.

But missing from the snaps of the duke with children and long-time friends at his charity Sentebale in Lesotho was his wife.

The Duchess of Sussex ­previously accompanied him to the continent, including in May this year.

In fact the couple have travelled together on two major overseas engagements this year.

But this prompted a source close to Harry and Meghan to address the speculation.

The Sussexes’ confidante insisted: “It is normal for couples to not do everything together.”

The duke attended at a string of events in New York unaccompanied by his wife.

He appeared on his own at an event for the Halo Trust – a landmine charity which was close to Di’s heart.