Ellie Goulding has caught Prince Harry's eye because she is like a "breath of fresh air".

Ellie Goulding

Ellie Goulding

The 31-year-old royal - whose last serious relationship was with Chelsy Davy for five years until 2009 - was seen getting close to the 29-year-old singer at the Audi Polo Challenge recently but insiders insist they were just "playing up" to friends and the prince loves the fact he can be "silly" with the 'Burn' hitmaker.

A source told Grazia magazine: "They kissed but it was fun and flirty. They spent the whole time playing up to friends and having a giggle together there. He loves her company and always says she's a breath of fresh air. Harry thinks Ellie is gorgeous and has admitted comparing her to Chelsy. Like her, Ellie is relaxed easy-going, keeps herself to herself and they can be silly together He finds her easy to be around."

Ellie is said to have nicknamed Harry 'Prince Bants', while he appreciates the blonde singer - who he has been friends with for years - is not a "stick chick", someone who spends time at high-society events like polo in a bid to get closer to him.

Though 'On My Mind' singer Ellie - who recently split from McFly bassist Dougie Poynter - gets along well with Harry's brother Prince William and his wife Duchess Catherine, even performing at their wedding reception in April 2011 - there won't be a serious romance between her and Harry as she isn't "in the market" to join the royal family.

The source said: "That life isn't for her. If she did want to step up they would still have all the laughs and banter, but she has joked that she isn't in the market for princess-hood.

"They have fun together, but first and foremost they are good friends and that's how they intend on keeping it. It means the world to Harry to have Ellie in his inner circle."

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