Why the hell do our Royals continue to play soldiers?

Some time back we had the publicity about Prince Harry 'fighting' in Afghanistan surrounded by an army of protective troops and a camera crew and it was quite clear that the dear lad had been absolutely nowhere where there was the least risk of having his arse shot off. And I said at the time I didn't blame the Monarchy or the Ministry of Defence for making sure that was the case. All I questioned was the weight of responsibility put on the military when they have to act as nursemaids to the boy Prince. I suggested it might be better if a plan was worked out whereby our Royals entered another type of career to while away their hours.

Now we have another abuse of power, which, while less consuming of manpower than Harry's sojourn in Afghanistan is a stupid piece of theatre which completely undermines any suggestion that the Royals are treated 'like any ordinary soldiers'

I refer, of course, to the incident of Prince William landing his Chinook helicopter in the grounds of his girlfriend's home. Very impressive, I'm sure and the MOD, once this incident hit the press, released a press statement saying it was a 'routine training exercise' - which is palpable tommy-rot and simply proves that if an ordinary trainee pilot, who just happens to be second in line to the throne, clicks his fingers, the whole military establishment jumps to obey.



One of Prince William's Air Force colleagues (who wisely refused to be named) said dryly; "When we were told this was a routine training flight I confidently expected the Middleton family to be armed with AK47s and anti aircraft rocket launchers. Then it might have served a purpose."

I don't know what goes on behind the royal scenes but if he has any sense, Prince Charles will put his foot down with older son and insist that no more idiotic abuses of military time and equipment will ever take place again. Then again, of course, we don't know who suggested it. Maybe it was some fawning MOD official who sought to gain some kudos from royal patronage. But whatever the background to this, such antics are not good for the military or the illusion that everyone who joins up is subject to the same disciplines.

Once again I believe our royal family should carve out a different career path for their offspring. I know serving in the forces is traditional but they are making a joke of the military and of themselves. Just little rich boys playing at soldiers. How does that enhance respect - either for them or for the military?