Prince Harry's Army pal has said he "never thought Duke fitted in with royal family".
Dean Stott served in the military alongside the Duke of Sussex, 36, and has opened up on their relationship while serving in the Armed Forces.
They first met at a training base when Harry was just 22 before going on to tour Afghanistan together.
Speaking about how they bonded during their army days, Dean, 44, said: "I never saw Harry as a member of the Royal Family but as a soldier and officer.
"I really got to see the Harry people haven't seen. That's how we bonded."
Harry served in the military for 10 years, completing two tours of Afghanistan, and eventually rising to the rank of captain.
Dean became a paratrooper to the elite Special Boat Service before being discharged from the forces after a parachute accident in 2010.
But the serviceman has stayed in close contact with the Queen’s grandson and even attended Meghan and Harry's wedding, reports People.
Dean has even raised money for the royal’s Heads Together charity and now, like Harry and Meghan, lives in California.
In 2018, Dean embarked on a 14,000-mile bike ride from Argentina to Alaska raising money for the mental health foundation.
He completed the journey in a world record time – saying getting back in time for Harry's wedding helped motivate him.
Harry and Meghan tied the knot just seven days later at St George’s Chapel, Windsor.
And while Harry was preparing for his wedding - aired globally to millions across the world - he always found time to check in with his friend to see how the challenge was going.
Dean recalls the goodwill messages he would receive from the Duke as he reached different landmarks.
He said: "Every time I got through a country, I would text [Harry] and let him know.
"He would say, 'Keep going,' and send good motivational messages."
