Comments on: Harry Got His Wish

By: Bryan

Bryan — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 15:03:49 +0000

If I was in opposition, I would certainly be interested in eliminating the artillery spotter, who certainly had to be in a position to see all of the fighting to target the enemy. I seriously doubt he was checked out on a .50 cal for set decoration.

By: Badtux

Badtux — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 06:59:09 +0000

One thing I’d like to point out is that “forward air/artillery controller” ain’t exactly the world’s safest job. The whole point is to be out there where the shooting is so you can direct the bombs and artillery down on the folks doin’ the shooting. Just as Da Fixer over at Alternate Brain just how safe *that* job is (that is apparently what his job was in the Special Forces)… at the very least, you gotta hope that your arty doesn’t drop a shell right on your *own* head :-).

The British royals have no authority other than moral authority, and seem to be inclined to make sure they have it.

— Badtux the Military Penguin

By: Bryan

Bryan — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 03:17:52 +0000

The reality is that this isn’t about a prince, it’s really about the ground-pounders around him who would become targets for every nutcase in an area of the world with an abundance of crazies. It’s amazing that the children of American politicians can be off-limits, but the royals have to put up with this crap from the American media.

I hope Drudge really, really wanted to go to Britain, because it’s one country he can cross off his list. Were I Gordon Brown, I would start a no-fly list just for Drudge, because Brown has had to deal with this problem while his plate is already overflowing.

By: Scorpio

Scorpio — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 01:57:24 +0000

Ah yes, Drudge the molester. Good tag.

By: Kryten42

Kryten42 — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 01:25:54 +0000

I just saw a news report & interview with the Snr Editor of the New Idea mag, and she said they truly did not know there was a media blackout when they released the story on Jan 7. Maybe they didn’t get the memo… Who knows. People here are very annoyed with New Idea in any case. Harry and William are very popular here too.

We have morons here saying it was all a stunt to show that the heirs to the throne are just trying to show they are not cowards and work hard just like everyone else, and that the story was deliberately leaked to get them pulled out so they can say “we had nothing to do with it” etc.

Whilst it would not surprise me if the minders high up would have contrived such a thing, I doubt Harry (or William) would have been a part of it. As far as they are concerned, they are doing what they want to do. Harry seemed genuinely sad and annoyed, and I suspect if one of his minders did do this on purpose, there will be hell to pay.

I suspect that if the next monarch were up to a popular vote out of Charles, Harry, William… Harry would win by a handy margin (and Charles would run a poor third). 😉

By: Bryan

Bryan — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:21:39 +0000

As noted it was originally published in an Australian mag and then the German tabloid Bild. Drudge spent 6 weeks trying to learn Australian 😈 before he released it.

It’s a sad truth that his months in Afghanistan probably will be the most normal time in Harry Wales life. He’s got money and he’s in his early 20’s so he should be out doing something fun and stupid, but when he does, it shows up on the front pages.

They guy is at least doing his best to be useful. If he wasn’t there, it would be someone else’s son or daughter taking the risks.

By: fallenmonk

fallenmonk — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:04:20 +0000

It doesn’t matter if Drudge was the first or 30th to break the news it is still treasonous. Just because a secret is compromises doesn’t automatically declassify it. Granted this wasn’t an “official” secret but releasing the information increases the risk to Prince Harry and all his mates.

By: Frederick

Frederick — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:05:10 +0000

I'd heard it was Drudge...

By: andante

andante — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 11:06:35 +0000

Good for him; I’m glad he wasn’t thwarted this time.

And let’s hope the experience is as beneficial to him and his life perspective as it was to his Uncle York.

By: Kryten42

Kryten42 — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 08:41:21 +0000

Well… it looks like we (Aus) and the Germans are to blame! Unsurprising about the German rag ‘Bild’… But… oops! Drudge was the first US ummm… ‘media outlet’ (for want of a more accurate term) to break it (which is why nobody in the USA knew). LOL

Info here at the Guardian:
How the Prince Harry in Afghanistan story was kept secret

Seems our New Idea womens rag broke the story back in Jan 7 (which proves nobody reads that crap either). LOL

And you are correct Bryan. The UK Military are VERY careful NOT to show favoritism to the Royals. They have to earn their rights as much as any other. I just watched an Interview will Prince Harry on the news here. He’s upset that he will probably have to leave Afghanistan. He said that it’s nor for his safety (that he’s concerned about), but the safety of those around him. And he’s correct, of course. May as well paint a bright target on all of them now.

I must say that after seeing his interview, my respect for him grew. His commanders have a lot of respect for his abilities, and the men around him obviously care for him a great deal. Apparently, the bunker he was in directing air strike missions was attacked by the Taliban, and he manned a .50cal machine gun and fired on them successfully. 🙂 He’s learning the Monarch’s trade craft very well. 🙂 He’ll make a fine King one day I predict. 🙂

One thing he said which struck me the most was “This is as normal as I am ever likely to get.” And he looked sad. A shame.