Harry's ex-girlfriend Cressida says she's enjoying the single life

Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend Cressida Bonas has said it is nice being single, adding that she is a "strong, independent woman".

The couple began dating in 2012 after being introduced by Harry's cousin, her close friend Princess Eugenie, but split last year.

In an interview with The Sunday Times (£) Style magazine, the model-actress dismissed the intense interest in her relationship with the Prince.

"All that stuff is not real. It's really important to remember that all it is, is noise, noise that can be very loud at times," Bonas said.

The split was reported to be amicable and the pair are said to have remained good friends.

Cressida is currently the star in a fashion "dance film" for Mulberry alongside actor Freddie Fox.

She told the magazine the environment in which she grew up was "full of drama and music and thespian-like people".

In an apparent reference to being known as "Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend", Bonas said, "I hope the focus is becoming more about the skills that I have".

Bonas stressed that she is "a lion" when it comes to defending her family and is most annoyed when people "attack" her mother, Lady Mary-Gaye Curzon.