Jecca & Hugh Crossley
Perhaps the juiciest of this weekend’s royal gossip is the fact that Jecca Craig has called off her engagement with long time boyfriend Hugh Crossley. Just as we did when Emila d’Erlanger announced her engagement, let’s get to know Jecca a bit more.
Who is Jecca?
Jessica (Jecca) Craig is a very close friend (rumoured ex-girlfriend) of Prince William. Her family owns a wildlife reserve in Kenya where Wills spent part of his gap year helping with rhino conservation. He and Jecca are said to have carried out a “pretend engagement” during their time together. On Wills’ 21st birthday celebration, his Out of Africa themed party saw Jecca as guest of honor. In 2003, St James’s Palace “denies that there is or ever has been any romantic liaison between Prince William and Jessica Craig.”
Nevertheless, Wills has remained close with Jecca. He goes to Africa almost every year to visit her family. In 2005, he even brought girlfriend Kate Middleton on an African holiday with Jecca as their guide. Last year, William opted to attend Jecca’s brother’s wedding in Kenya over his own cousin Peter Phillips’.
Jecca is currently based in London and has been living with boyfriend Hugh Crossley since 2005. In October last year, they announced their engagement. Now, as confirmed by Jecca’s father, the engagement is off. “There are no third parties involved. Jecca decided she just wanted to finish her degree.” There are also rumors that the reason behind the break up is because Hugh wouldn’t want to relocate to Africa. Hugh, appearing hopeful, says they are still “working it out.”
Kate & Jecca
Article: Telegraph
Old Article: Wills in the Wilderness with Kate & Jecca (2005)
Is this news significant? Probably not. People who are not in favor of Kate Middleton may find Jecca a suitable alternative, but I doubt that this has anything to do with William. I personally like Jecca. She knows how to behave and keep her mouth shut. And she hails from a dignified family that is deeply involved in a wonderful wildlife conservation project. So does Kate have reason to worry? Don’t think so. She and Jecca seem to have grown as friends. The past few years saw them attending weddings together, whispering intimately during the Boodles Boxing Ball, sharing hello kisses during William’s birthday… Has William really ever been in a relationship with Jecca? Possibly. Seriously? I doubt it. If the relationship had ever been serious, Clarence House would NOT have denied it.
While Kate Middleton waits patiently for Prince William to propose, another one of her closest friends, Emilia d’Erlanger, has become engaged. The 27 year-old will marry David Jardine-Paterson, 28, next year, reports 
The youngest of 5 children, Emilia Mary Florence d’Erlanger has been linked to William in their late teens. She first drew attention in 1999 when she joined Wills in a summer holiday cruise around the Greek Islands called the “love boat.” Like Kate Middleton, she studied at Marlborough College and headed to either St. Andrews or Edinburgh University to read History of Art. So is Emilia primarily Wills’ or Kate’s friend? I guess the answer is both. She’s seems to have remained in their inner circle of trusted friends over the years, and was once photographed with Harry during a polo match in 2001.
William to Tour Australia & New Zealand in Behalf of Queen
Kate Middleton is on the cover of Hello Magazine – October 12, 2009 issue. It covers the Starlight Charity Event on September 26. Inside info highlights:
Kate’s Style is also featured: