Harry snubbed by airbase shop staff
9th March 2007
Recognise me? Harry, without the camouflage, had a bad day at the shops - because he isn't American.
Being third in line to the throne should mean Prince Harry has no problem queuing in shops - but that was not the case when he paid a surprise visit to a US airbase.
The 22-year-old Prince and some Army colleagues found themselves in a tricky situation as they tried to buy an iPod from the exchange shop at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.
Sources at the airbase said the Prince entered the shop wearing full Army uniform accompanied by colleagues and his bodyguard.
One of the Prince's friends then tried to buy an iPod from the store, but was turned away because he was not a US servicemen or family member at the American airbase.
US forces spokesman Lieutenant Colonel David A Konop, told the Bury Free Press newspaper that staff did not recognise the Prince.
"The girl at the till just did not recognise the Prince at all," he said.
"I know all the staff were surprised when they realised who had been in the store. If we had known Prince Harry was in the store, we would have arranged something special with the RAF commander of the base."
Lt Col Konop added: "We're just really proud and pleased that Prince Harry chose to step on to our base and in the store.
"As you can imagine, the visit has created a lot of interest on the base as most Americans are fascinated with the British royal family."
Prince Harry is due to deploy to Iraq in the summer and recently underwent training at the Stanta Battle Area near Thetford, Norfolk, as part of his preparation.
A Clarence House spokeswoman said she was not able to comment.
dailymail.co.uk
9th March 2007
Recognise me? Harry, without the camouflage, had a bad day at the shops - because he isn't American.
Being third in line to the throne should mean Prince Harry has no problem queuing in shops - but that was not the case when he paid a surprise visit to a US airbase.
The 22-year-old Prince and some Army colleagues found themselves in a tricky situation as they tried to buy an iPod from the exchange shop at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.
Sources at the airbase said the Prince entered the shop wearing full Army uniform accompanied by colleagues and his bodyguard.
One of the Prince's friends then tried to buy an iPod from the store, but was turned away because he was not a US servicemen or family member at the American airbase.
US forces spokesman Lieutenant Colonel David A Konop, told the Bury Free Press newspaper that staff did not recognise the Prince.
"The girl at the till just did not recognise the Prince at all," he said.
"I know all the staff were surprised when they realised who had been in the store. If we had known Prince Harry was in the store, we would have arranged something special with the RAF commander of the base."
Lt Col Konop added: "We're just really proud and pleased that Prince Harry chose to step on to our base and in the store.
"As you can imagine, the visit has created a lot of interest on the base as most Americans are fascinated with the British royal family."
Prince Harry is due to deploy to Iraq in the summer and recently underwent training at the Stanta Battle Area near Thetford, Norfolk, as part of his preparation.
A Clarence House spokeswoman said she was not able to comment.
dailymail.co.uk
