Those Photos

There is currently a furore over a couple of photos doing the rounds on the Internet of Prince Harry. The reason for all the fuss is that the Prince is shown in 'high jinx' wearing nothing. There can be no doubt that this is in fact the 3rd in line to the British throne. But what of the fuss?
The pictures have been published in the US on a celebrity website. The website is easily accessible and since being first published, the pictures have spread around the Internet and are easily found through Google or Yahoo!. The UK newspapers have chosen not to publish them, though so far one Irish publication has done so. This is despite a request from The Palace that the media show restraint.
People can of course choose not to look at them. I have seen them, in fact I have them in front of me now as I type this. Despite the initial shock, I don't really think there is any possibility of these photos affecting Prince Harry's status in any way and it they certainly won't have an adverse affect on the monarchy, though some of the older members of the family will certainly not be very happy. If anything, I think this is another jolt to the monarchy in forcing them to be more modern, open and accessible to people of all ages. Prince Harry will certainly have found favour in the young. I don't doubt that he will have attracted a strong following amongst many a young lady with dreams of being led down the aisle of St Paul's. It will not have done Prince Harry any harm amongst the younger generation. I would though not have wanted to be in his shoes (or bare feet) as he was forced to explain himself to the older members of the family. A bit of me can imagine Charles giggling away to himself secretly, as his sense of humour is well known to many. But I suspect his grandparents, aunts and uncles won't be so forgiving.
Many have called it just a 'bit of fun'. Others have been damning in their condemnation. I say that he should be allowed to have his fun but certainly be more careful. After all, where were his security staff?