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For Britain's Young Princes, a Role Reversal

Harry's Afghan tour, Wills' chopper antics flop public perception

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 24, 2008 10:06 PM CDT
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(Newser) – It seems like only yesterday that William was Britain's standup prince, brother Harry the misled stoner in an SS uniform. But after revelations that William landed his RAF helicopter on his girlfriend’s lawn, and that the younger Harry served actual combat in Afghanistan, the tables have turned, the AP reports. One commentator called William’s antics “the whole spoiled brat syndrome.”

The reversal comes after years in which everything—including the princes’ appearances, demeanors, and even lady-friends—seemed to paint William as the more regal. One former military man tried to excuse William’s stunt as “something helicopter pilots have done forever,” but made a more convincing case that the princes’ service, whether at home or abroad, is “good for morale.”

This is a July 7, 1993 file photo of Britain's Prince Harry during a visit to the barracks of Britain's Light Dragoons in Hanover, Germany.
This is a July 7, 1993 file photo of Britain's Prince Harry during a visit to the barracks of Britain's Light Dragoons in Hanover, Germany.   (AP Photo)
Britain's Prince Harry sits atop a military vehicle in the Helmand province, Southern Afghanistan.
Britain's Prince Harry sits atop a military vehicle in the Helmand province, Southern Afghanistan.   (AP Photo/John Stillwell, pool)
Britain's Prince William poses for the photographers after he graduated from the Royal Air Force College.
Britain's Prince William poses for the photographers after he graduated from the Royal Air Force College.   (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
Prince William and his girlfriend Kate Middleton walk in RAF Cranwell, England.
Prince William and his girlfriend Kate Middleton walk in RAF Cranwell, England.   (AP Photo/Michael Dunlea, Pool)
Prince William and Prince Harry, right, parade in suits and bowler hats with the Combined Cavalry Old Comrades' Association, in Hyde Park, London, Sunday May 13, 2007.
Prince William and Prince Harry, right, parade in suits and bowler hats with the Combined Cavalry Old Comrades' Association, in Hyde Park, London, Sunday May 13, 2007.   (AP Photo/Stefan Rousseau,PA)
Britain's Prince Harry, right, kisses an unidentified woman.
Britain's Prince Harry, right, kisses an unidentified woman.   (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
A newspaper from Harry's dark period.
A newspaper from Harry's dark period.   ((c) psd)
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How Harry's mission was kept secret
New York Times

... and more on Wills' chopper antics
Telegraph (UK)

 
Prince William • Kate Middleton • Prince Harry • helicopter • British Army • Royal Air Force • British royals • Afghanistan war • Chelsy Davy

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