UK & World News
- 22 January 2013, 8:23
Prince Harry: I Let Myself Down On Vegas Trip
Prince Harry has spoken for the first time about how he believes he let himself down in Las Vegas last year.
The prince has also launched a scathing attack against the media and their treatment of him and his family, calling them an "unstoppable force."
Speaking at Camp Bastion during his five-month tour, Captain Harry Wales argued his naked antics in America's Sin City were "probably a classic example of me being too much 'Army' and not enough 'prince', it's a simple case of that".
The prince was pictured frolicking in the nude with an unnamed woman, and the photos were published on websites around the world, as well as in The Sun newspaper.
"Back home everyone, all my close friends rallied round me and were great," he added.
"At the end of the day I probably let myself down, I let my family down and let other people down, but I was in a private area and there should have been a certain amount of privacy that one should expect."
But the 28-year-old believes some sections of the media behaved irresponsibly when the naked photographs of him emerged: "The papers knew I was going to Afghan anyway. So the way I was treated by them I don't think was acceptable."
A broken news blackout five years ago ended the prince's first tour to Afghanistan.
This time, a different agreement was reached between the Ministry of Defence and the media, one which sits uncomfortably with the co-pilot gunner.
"I never wanted you guys to be out here but there was an agreement made to invite you out on a deal that you, the media, didn't speculate before my deployment. That's the only reason you guys are out here."
Prince Harry says he also excited about becoming an uncle, but is equally unrelenting about the press' handling of the royal parents-to-be.
"Obviously I'm thrilled for both of them, it's about time and I can't wait to be an uncle," he said.
"I think it's very unfair they were forced to publicise it when they were, but that's just the media for you.
"I literally am very, very happy, but I just only hope she and him, but mainly Catherine, gets the necessary protection to allow her, as a mother-to-be, to enjoy the privacy that comes with it. I seriously hope that's going to be able to happen."
The third in line to the throne also accused sections of the press of printing stories that were not true.
"I spoke to them both and didn't send a letter of congratulations like most of the papers said," he said.
"How any of the papers think they know the relationship between myself and my sister-in-law is quite remarkable. But they're wrong as always. But, yeah, I spoke to my brother and her, and they're both very well and very happy, obviously."
Harry also has strong feelings about the opportunities available to him, but not Prince William.
He said: "There is a bit of jealousy and not just because I get to fly this but he'd (William) love to be out here.
"To be honest with you, I don't see why he couldn't. His job out here would be doing Chinook missions, just the same as us.
"No one knows who's in the cockpit, yes he'd get shot at, but, you know, if the guys who are doing the same job as us are being shot at on the ground I don't think there's anything wrong with us being shot as well.
"People back home might have issues with that - but we're not special - the guys out there are, simple as that."
Returning to public life brings with it for Harry a sense of foreboding. His mistrust of the press is firmly entrenched.
"I think it's fairly obvious how far back it goes - to when I was very small," said the prince.
"If there's a story and something's being said about me I want to know what's being said. But all it does is upset me and anger me that people can get away with writing the stuff they do.
"I don't believe there is any such thing as a private life anymore. I'm not going to sit here and whinge.
"Everyone knows about Twitter and the internet. Every single mobile phone has a camera on it now.
"You can't move an inch without someone judging you and I suppose that's just the way life goes.
"It's not helped by media, it's an unstoppable force."
what do you think?
Mike Anon
From my point of view Harry is a 'human being' & not some saintly figure. He probably endeared himself more to the liberal minded public & upset the stuffed shirts & to those I say get over it. He likes a drink, likes a smoke, likes to have fun. Nothing wrong with that as far as I'm concerned. Good on you Harry!
blue side
I was just jealous but then that is also probably the case with those who had a go at him
Louisa Gieldon
But it's so wrong to suggest that people who think that this kind of boorish behaviour is wrong are all stuffed shirts and serious types who can't enjoy themselves. You can have a good time withour getting rat arsed and taking your clothes off in public.
stevegs850
A class bloke, a trained experienced mentor for our country regardless of his upbringing,He can run around naked any where he wants in my book after a stint in that hellhole,its called a 28 yr old having fun whilst off duty.God bless all our people who risk their lives for Great Britain.
Diane Rogers
Here here. Having fun before going out there which is what a lot of squadies do. He can run naked down my street anytime my daughter would love that
Vladtheinhaler .
Oh dear. Some people really are falling for the big hero line. Like uncle andy, in a helicopter, easily out of danger in a blink. The real heroes are actually at the front.
El Bubsio
Strange that Diane. If it was a 'normal' bloke exposing himself to your child, you'd probably demand he be castrated before being hung twice for being a filthy pervert.
Vladtheinhaler .
Yeah, Class being the operative word. Straight in the army with a top job. Bet the lads at the real front think he's a hero.
GillieLouise
If only he were not a Royal who we pay to keep safe at all times steve. I applaud him for his military career but sadly, he has to not run around naked. The poor Royal children havent had a normal life which is a great shame but its part of the life they have had to lead. Diane... you can not be serious that you want your lovely daughter to enjoy this!!!!!!!!. I was in the service myself and you are correct, some soldiers do this for fun. Sadly Prince Harry is not expected to whether we think it is fair or not.
blue side
Those who knock him should watch the interview - as Vegas had he not been a Royal the gutter press would not have taken a bit of notice
Louisa Gieldon
If either of my sons behaved like that i would be angry and disappointed in them and not all servicemen behave like that, He displayed a lack of dignity and respect for hinself and the women he was with, It showed poor judgement and people shouldn't equate having good fun with this kind of vulgar and childish nonsense
Louisa Gieldon
I'm not commenting on the Vegas behaviour in terms of hm being a royal. I've never liked men who behave like that and brought my boys up to be modest and well behaved, especially in public
davenlesley
Louisa. I would not take issue with either of your comments. Indeed it is a pity more parents don't follow your line. It seems these days you haven't had fun unless you have made an exhibition of yourself. Check out our town centres on friday & saturday night
Louisa Gieldon
Absolutely Dave, Ans i'm not just saying that because i'm an old fuddy duddy. As a young woman i loathed men who behaved in this manner and steered well clear of them
Diane Rogers
We did have a lad streak down our street about 10yrs ago.Blinked and missed it never knew he could run so fast. We have had 2 ar Shrewbury Town fc
Diane Rogers
El Bubsio should have said my" child " is 25
Mel Heatwole
Poor Harry get's a lot of stick for doing what most blokes his age do... Having a good time! And I think he deserves to do that. He didn't choose to be born into royalty! And let's be honest, he is doing a lot more to earn respect from his country by fighting for it then some other royals who swan about doing... what? The media needs to back off and let him be instead of giving him a hard time. I personally thought the N@zi stunt was funny. If there is one thing us Brits are good at it's being able to laugh at ourselves (orange won't let me say the N word!)
GillieLouise
I have to say Mel that Prince Harry is not a normal bloke. I did not judge his behavior morally at all but being involved with security most of my adult life I did, at the time, and still do worry about the security. He certainly endangered his life and that of his party guests. Before some smartie points out that cameras dont kill, this is true... but, he was in a room full of people playing games... there could have been someone there with a gun or weapon there too. The secuirty around him was really to fault but he too should take some of the blame. Tax payers pay money to keep him safe, he knows this and should appreciate this fact.
simon calvert
No big deal, like father like son...the real one that is.
Louisa Gieldon
It's the most open secret in the country Simon, but not his fault so he shouldn't be taunted in that way
davenlesley
Louisa. The likeness is remarkable isn't it. Good job he is the spare and not the heir or that might have caused problems
shaun spencer
Does this news item about harry have to take up two pages of news.one would should suffice.
jimmyjedi1979
Better still, none.
blue side
shaun a sad reflection on the mental capacity of the media and again one small bit of a good interview not a headline item. Harry was happier telling us about the job the guys in the field do and their conditions
barry simms
Twisted Minds Press
Catherine Maddox
Why the hell cant the press leave this poor boy be . He works and plays just like any young lad
jimmyjedi1979
Yes and I've now redeemed myself by travelling to a foreign land and murdered a few locals.
john
He is a 28 year old man, not a teenager, the over-privileged playboy should behave like a man. Royal worshippers take note, killing hill farmers with a multi-million pound helicopter isn't as manly as hand to hand combat.
blue side
john I suggest before embarking on an ill informed attack you watch the interview - but do it with an open mind
happymike CHESTER
Yes I let myself down to Harry .I Lost $20 on the one armed bandit.
happymike CHESTER
Would I have got a thumbs up if I HAD WON.
Lorgar Aurelian
Believe me, the lads on the ground love seeing an Apache turn up, they're like the cavalry of old. And regarding him killing farmers and such, Afghanistan must be one of those countries where an RPG is an essential piece of farming equipment.
saalam khamboshi
Probably he wouldn't have done what he has done had be been not drunk... so I don't blame you Harry, it was the stuff that made you get snapped naked...probably he wouldn't have done it had he been in his senses... I bet a normal and a sober Harry wouldn't have gone out flashing his willy!
gengisken1227
8:22pm on 21/1/2013
Actually, I don;t think Harry let himself down in Vegas. Young bloke having normal fun and no-one got hurt - wheres the harm it that. Where he did let himself down is not kicking his security into shape for allowing him to be compromised.
davenlesley
10:39am on 22/1/2013
Gengis. With you all the way. I would have been more concerned had he been photographed with a naked man in his room alone. See the class warriors are also out today. He had no control over the family he was born into but that still doesn't stop their envious sniping
GillieLouise
11:05am on 22/1/2013
Nothing to do with me being a class warrior my friend dave..... I worked on security and on that day he proved to be a nightmare. Heads would have rolled and rightly so. This had nothing to do with fun and high spirits... it could have ended up in a serious mess.
blue side
11:07am on 22/1/2013
Absolutely right gengis and when you listen to the interview Harry makes a few valid points about the media and their treatment of the event he also challenges the right of the media with all those who get attacked by them.
Louisa Gieldon
1:29pm on 22/1/2013
Dave is being in a loving same sex relationship really worse than running around naked in public and being a drunken prat?
davenlesley
1:38pm on 22/1/2013
Gillie. The class warrior remark was not directed at you darlin and was made before your 11.02 am comment. Your concern is one of security which is entirely valid. It is those who snipe at him purely because of the privelege he was born into I take issue with
davenlesley
1:42pm on 22/1/2013
Louisa. Hi kid, have you been down to HMV yet. This was hardly a loving relationship situation and nor was the running around done in public. I still think a romp with a bloke would have brought a far worse reaction from the country than this did
Louisa Gieldon
2:06pm on 22/1/2013
Dave i know it wasn't a loving relationship set up. My point was that if je had been caught in bed with a man he might have loved the man, so what would be wrong with it? It would have been private. It would cause a wonderful furore anyway! The loutish behaviour with the women was in a hotel room with many people present so that's not really private at all. Sending partner down to HMV this afternoon with his £100 of vouchers! Texted him at darts last night but he was too well oiled to notice his phone!
GillieLouise
2:29pm on 22/1/2013
Davenlesley.....I never snipe at the Royals and their priveleges... I wouldnt live in their shoes for a million pounds. However, as sad as a feel for their lack of privacy and really feel the media should stop stalking them, I feel some have flirted with the media. In my home town the Prince was out on a raucious evening along with 5 body guards, I dont think he was thinking of safety for himself and that of the other party youngsters in Vegas. I was not speaking from a moral stance (Ive seen it all in messes). I was speaking from a security view. I fear for him.
davenlesley
3:52pm on 22/1/2013
Louisa. Yes it would have caused a stir especially amongst the grockles like me. Q for a new film When Harry met Steven. I also think you are giving that lad of yours too much pocket money - at the pub on a Monday night !!
davenlesley
4:01pm on 22/1/2013
Hi Gillie. I agree that some members of the Royals do court the press when it suits them. When it doesn't they scream invasion of privacy. Like you I would hate to live in a goldsfish bowl as they do. I am content to live with my works pension and stunning good looks