Lorraine Kelly claims Prince Harry is envious of William

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge. Photo / Getty Images

Scottish TV presenter Lorraine Kelly has claimed Prince Harry is envious of his older brother's life.

In a new column about the Royal family for the Sunday Post, the former GMTV and Daybreak host compared 32-year-old Harry's bachelor reputation with William's blissful family life.

Reflecting on the Cambridges' famously happy marriage, the host pointed out that William, 35, had opted for "stability, quiet and calm" in comparison to his parents' ill-fated union.

"It's interesting that his far more charismatic younger brother, Harry, is actually very envious of William's life," she wrote.

"Harry has said more than once that he wants to settle down and have a family sooner rather than later."

Lorraine added: "Harry admires his big brother and has recently followed William and Kate in doing a great job raising awareness about mental illness, particularly among young people."

The TV host couldn't resist comparing Kate to Harry's long-distance girlfriend, US actress Meghan Markle.

"Times have changed, and being an American divorcée is no longer seen as a heinous sin," Lorraine wrote.

"In 1936 Edward VIII had to abdicate the throne when he married Wallis Simpson, a US citizen who had twice been though the divorce courts."

The columnist also praised Kate, 35, for "quietly making a difference" through her charity efforts and for being an asset to the royal family.

The Duchess, who Lorraine says is "growing in confidence", has gone solo for an increasing number of official events of late as well as high-profile red carpet events.

Earlier this week she carried out charity work in Wales, and on February 12 she made a VIP appearance at the BAFTAs.

"Her freshness and sweet smile made most of the A-list actresses look somewhat overdone, as though they were trying just a bit too hard," wrote Lorraine.