Prince Henry

Prince Henry Charles Albert David, born on September 15, 1984 at St Mary's Hospital, in central London, is third in line of succession to the throne, behind his father, the Prince of Wales, and his elder brother, Prince William.

Henry Charles Albert has always been known as Prince Harry and as he's been outgoing and fun-loving boy ever since he was a kid, he was later dubbed the Happy Prince. His mother, Princess Diana, was deter­mined that her sons should enjoy a ‘normal’ lifestyle, and the three were often seen at amusement parks, going into McDonald's restaurants or the cinema.

Harry attended the same schools as William, and in September 1998, he followed his elder brother to Eton, the most famous private school in Britain. Founded in 1440 by Henry VI, Eton College has given Britain 20 prime ministers and quite a few outstanding poets and writers. Harry wasn't as academically gifted as his brother William, but he earned a place at Eton and became instantly popular with his fellow students.

He soon settled into the school's routine. He got used to Eton's school uniform — black tailcoat and waistcoat, stiff collar and pinstriped trousers. It's one of the oldest uni­forms in the world (dating back to Tudor times) and can't be thrownon in a huny. Harry also learned a whole new language. At Eton homework is called EWs or 'extra works', the teachers are 'beaks' and each school term is known as a half, though there are three of them in a year.

At Eton Harry had a reputation for being 'one of the lads', unlike his more serious brother William. But in his seven­teenth year his name hit the headlines in a rather unpleasant way. His experiments with cannabis became public knowledge. Prince Charles's reaction was quick. Even before the newspapers appeared with Harry's Drugs Shame, Trouble with Harry headlines, he had already taken his son to a drug clinic for a day. Talking to doctors and drug addicts seemed to have a sobering effect on Harry.

On September 15, 2002 Prince Harry celebrated his 18th birthday. To mark the occasion, Her Majesty the Queen gave the Prince his own Coat of Arms. On that day Harry was busy with good works: visiting hospitals and speak­ing to the homeless. He wanted to remind the public about his mother's huge contribution to charity.

Princess Diana's influence on Harry is very strong. And while most people note the marked resemblance between Princess Diana and William, some friends of the family say that in reality, it is Harry who is more like his mother in many ways.

Harry's academic achievements at Eaton were not outstanding, but he was excellent at sports and arts. Prince Harry plays rugby, football and cricket, enjoys swimming and skiing and is an excellent polo player. Specialists say that he has got a great eye for the bail, he rides well, and if he worked hard, he could join the elite group of 100 professional polo players in Britain. Like his father, Harry loves painting. He is a talented artist and has had his work exhibit­ed at the school.

In March, 2003 Harry played one of the leading parts in Much Ado About Nothing In June Harry left Eton College. No more 'beaks' (teachers), no more books for him. As he left school for the last time, he turned to the photographers and cried, 'At last!'.

Prince Harry has announced his decision to enroll in a military academy, but before that he is taking a gap year. That means he will spend a year not working or studying but trav­elling and working.

Now Prince Harry is in Australia. He is working at a cattle station and 'learning a bit how to be a jackaroo. He is already an expert in rounding up cattle.

What does the future hold for Prince Harry? William's role as the future king is clearly defined, but Harry, is the 'spare', as his mother called him. William is always on his guard, instinctively aware of his posi­tion, Harry is much more relaxed, showing his feelings and saying what he thinks. He seems to enjoy his sec­ond son's status to the full, although once some years ago, when William expressed his concern about his future role as a king, Harry exclaimed 'I'd love it!'

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