Prince Harry to be withdrawn immediately
Updated 16.30 29 February
The British Ministry of Defence has just announced that Prince Harry is to be withdrawn from Afghanistan immediately, after his cover was blown yesterday by an influential website.
Prince Harry on foot patrol in Afghanistan
Reaction around the world has been very favourable to Harry’s deployment, in which he managed to serve for 10 of his 12 week term.
In an online poll on Sky News Australia, 78 percent said it was wrong for the Australiam women’s magazine, New Idea (locally known as No Idea) to have leaked Prince Harry’s deployment back in early January. New Idea’s website was flooded with readers expressing horror and calling for the resignation of its editor.
Readers called its journalists “guttersnipes”, “money-hungry idiots”, “morons” and “selfish parasites”, and that they were an embarrassment to Australians living abroad. Australians are nothing if not forthright in expressing their views.
Perhaps this now puts the current silence of Prince William and Kate Middleton into some sort of perspective. Royal Anecdotes believes both Kate and Chelsy have agreed not to be seen out partying while Harry is fighting in Afghanistan where 89 British soldiers have died in recent months.
One newspaper comments, “The Prince dismissed fears that he is a ‘bullet magnet’, swore he does not miss ‘anything’ [about his life in the UK], and said he believed his mother was proud of him. He made no reference to girlfriend Chelsy Davy.”
This could be to protect her from association with him. In an interview last week, Harry conceded that on his return to the UK, he could be a “top target” for homegrown jihadists sympathetic to the Taliban. “Once this comes out, every single person that supports them will be trying to slot me,” he said.
I don’t wish to stir this up, but maybe Chelsy should be given some protection too.
Update: The British Commander in Afghanistan has just said that Prince Harry flourished in the difficult environment of the country and served with distinction. I wonder if that means a “mention in dispatches” or even a Distinguished Service Medal?
In a way I’m glad he is coming home but on the other hand he only had two weeks to go and the foreign journalists could have kept their mouths shut. And yes he will be in danger in the UK with muslim extremists I don’t believe he and Chelsy broke up in the first place and protection for her would not be a bad idea.
By Trudie on February 29th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
I am very happy that Harry got the chance to serve with his fellow officers and it’s a shame that he has to come home with just two weeks left but if it’s what they need to for his safety and the safety of his fellow officers then so be it. As for his relationship with Chelsy, and indeed William and Kate, I have come to the conclusion that the press have no idea what is happening with them. All the reports of Harry and Chelsy text and being in contact trying to fix things over Christmas are now clearly false, that is if they ever broke up in the first place and as for Kate and William fighting over this supposed trip to Africa – surely Harry has had more important things to be worrying about in Afghanistan than planning a motorcycle trip across Africa with William and Chelsy. It is as thought the press throw headlines into a hat and then pick one and there they have this weeks story.
By Ash on February 29th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I agree with Trudie it’s a pity hat he couldn’t do the remaining 2 weeks in Afghanistan in a safe area back from the front line. He certainly did well out there in amongst the Ghurkas and I am sure he could have ben well protected for this time.
It puts into perspective the Kate/Chelsey/William news silence which had been remarked on by several RA contributors, I wonder if K & C were in on it.
I hope Drudge enjoys his pieces of silver.
By Royalist on February 29th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Royalist, Kate and Chelsy would have been aware that Harry was in Afghanistan. Their respectful silence confirms that.
Ash, you’re right about various reporters’ views about what’s going on. In the round, however, it’s now possible to see the broader picture. Time and again, I’ve commented on how the big Royal reporters, like Richard Kay, for example, have stayed away from all the speculation about Kate Middleton’s “disappearance”.
The truth always lies in the peripheral activity. You won’t discover much by staring at a black hole.
By John on February 29th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Chelsy celebrates Harry’s return at a party with student pals (DM).
Despite the distance between them, friends say Chelsy has been acting as a “rock” for the Prince during his stint in Helmand.
The couple have shared tearful conversations by phone, both breaking down at the sound of each other’s voice across the 3,500 miles between them.
By Me on February 29th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Yup, Me, it’s party time. Expect the Royal crowd to be out on the town to celebrate his safe arrival. And why not?
By John on February 29th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Incidentally, who witnessed these tearful phone conversations between Harry and Chelsy? I’m always doubtful about such reports.
By John on February 29th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
While I agree John that some have stayed away from speculating about their relationships, the majority unfortunately haven’t. Even the latest ‘news’ about Kate and Williams ‘secret pact’ (that is so secret their friends and the world’s media know about it) is still getting picked up by various online publications and of course having a little more added on each time. All the reports of both couples being on/off, going through bad patches, the girls being jealous and feeling ignored, the princes not wanting to stop parting etc. give the impression that these are very unstable relationship when I really don’t think that they are. I find this a little unfair, especially in the case of William and Kate as if they do marry they will one day be King and Queen and if the general public believe that they are having problems constantly while dating as a result of the incorrect media reports, would they support a marriage between them – considering the whole Charles/Diana disaster. I know that it’s unlikely to stop but I just wish that sometimes the media would take a second to think about the fallout from the stories they print.
By Ash on February 29th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
John the article in the DM say her roommates or something like that witnessed her tearfull conversations. She, William and other friends also received a once in a while e-mail from PH, thanks to another soldier who by chance had internet (maybe through blackberry)
By Me on February 29th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
In view of the news stories regarding phone calls between Prince Harry and Chelsey during his deployment, perhaps it would be prudent to provide Chelsy with protection, especially while she is in Leeds. The enemy has no conscience and will target the Royals and those who are closest to them as well. These are very dangerous times we are living in and caution should be the order of the day.
By Gigi on February 29th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
My theory is thats why there was a minimum to none news of the foursome young royals and their g/f’s. Anyway, I really hope everything is good for PW and KM, the latest news about her is confussing and I feel it does harm because the masses tend to believe that they are on the rocks, lonely, etc.
By Me on February 29th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Wonderful Harry got a chance to serve.
Chelsy and Harry always seem so sweet.
Brave Harry turned to his Chelsy for support during Afghan
29 FEBRUARY 2008
Although the couple reportedly split up just before Harry’s deployment in Afghanistan, it seems the 23-year-old Prince’s mission has served to bring him closer to on/off Zimbabwean girlfriend Chelsy Davey. Pals of the couple reveal they’ve been sharing emotional telephone calls on a regular basis - and that the pretty blonde has been a great support to the royal.
HELLO!
By U.S. on February 29th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
I’m not more inclined to believe this very cute story allegedly leaked by “pals” then any negative one. If it is true that some of Chelsy’s friends talk to the media that would be most unfortunate. While it would only be normal for them to keep in contact (like any soldiers and their families and friends do), I do not believe the more sappy, teary details. Obviously his g/f would be a huge support for Harry but neither Harry nor Chelsy strike me as the kind to have teary-eyed conversations. They both seem to be very positive people who always see the bright side in everything. That does of course not mean that Chelsy wouldn’t have worried but she looked alright during her holidays and not teary at all.
By Isana on February 29th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
no one will every know “whats really going on” with these relationships as it seems both young women are pretty closed mouthed - if they talked they would be “out of the fold” aka sara spencer for her crack when she briefly dated prince charles
By coni on February 29th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
I don’t know but the picture you had posted of Chelsy walking in Leeds in the snow the look of strain on her face makes me want to believe they never broke up. I think protection for her is a very good idea.
By Trudie on March 1st, 2008 at 2:57 am
God Speed Prince Harry!
Curious, how now suddenly everyone knows how there phone conversations went, how she felt, how he felt…….relationship ….kind of silly really. NOONE KNEW A THING!
By Madelaine on March 1st, 2008 at 3:28 am
It seems Harry is due back today at RAF Brilze Norton in Oxfordshire. Prince Charles and Prince William will be there to greet him.
It’s also been announced that William will serve on the front line too, on a Royal Navy protection/blockade ship later in the year. But why tell us this now? It rather lessens Harry’s efforts and tips the wink to our enemies.
By John on March 1st, 2008 at 9:26 am
Although I find it hard to believe that Prince William would serve on the front line, if it is true it would definitely explain the complete media silence regarding his relationship with Kate Middleton. In fact, it would also explain why he would want to focus on his training and de-emphasize his relationship with Kate at this point in time. If they can make it through this year, they will certainly be pretty rock solid.
By Amity on March 1st, 2008 at 4:35 pm
I agree, John. The fact that Prince William will serve on board a ship does not guarantee him protection from enemy fire. It may not signify to some, but we are in a war, a shooting war, and we all, every single one of us, must behave as soldiers and keep absolutely padlock any and all information that might give aid to the ruthless and savage enemy. As for Jon Snow declaring that he does not consider the Taliban his enemy, I must wonder if Snow is even British. He reminds me of the saying “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and erase all doubt.”
By Gigi on March 1st, 2008 at 4:35 pm