Unofficial Royalty

Ok. So it’s not camp. Apologies to any distinguished Sandhurst graduate reading this column. Harry is attending one of the most distinguished military academies in the entire world. And I’m not trying to be cheeky. I really think he’s at a terrific place, both literally and figuratively.

About a year ago, I started to worry about Diana’s youngest. He seemed to be straying from the straight and narrow. Admissions of drug use, altercations outside night clubs, etc. made me wonder if he was walking down the right path. And then there was the whole “Nazi” debacle. Granted he had no idea he was being photographed, but it signaled to me that Harry had no clue about his family history and no concern for his own future.

Of course, most teenagers run into trouble at one time or another but knowing the brutal trauma he experienced when Diana died, I wondered if he might be in serious trouble. I’m no psychiatrist but you don’t have to be one to understand that a major event like the death of a parent, especially in childhood, can sometimes take years to fully impact a person. I know that his personal well-being is none of my business, but somehow it’s hard not to worry about Harry. William seems so well-adjusted and sensible. He’s done well at university and I think he’s conducted himself with a maturity well beyond his years. Harry is different.

My sense is that this was always the case, even when the boys were young. Harry always seemed more sensitive, emotional and a bit “naughty.” His mother once referred to him as “mischievous and adorable.” Unlike William, he’s also had to deal with the ridiculous rumours that Prince Charles is not his biological father. I’ve always thought this was outrageous – all anyone needs to do is look at Diana’s sister Sarah to see that Harry is a true Spencer, red hair and all. Harry has also been more open about the strong connection to his mother, talking about carrying on her legacy when he traveled to Africa last year. He just seems to wear his heart on his sleeve. Most of all, I just can’t seem to erase the image of him on that dreadful day he walked behind his mother’s cortege and seeing the childlike letters that spelled out “Mummy” on his card to her. I think I fell for him right then and there.

Today, my fears have completely disappeared. Reading stories about Harry’s feet blistering at Sandhurst and returning to find his entire room in disarray give me some comfort. I know it sounds strange but I feel like he’s exactly where he needs to be – in a rigourous leadership program that will ultimately build his self-confidence and emphasize that he must serve a larger purpose.

Perhaps I’m a little too traditional and hard-nosed but I think there’s nothing like rules and discipline to whip a kid into shape – and give him a sense of security and well-being. Not only will he emerge as a more mature adult, he’ll have the skills he needs to move forward with his duties. He’ll also have a new support system and, judging from the character fostered at the academy, Harry will always be able to count on his army mates. Perhaps joining Sandhurst will even make Prince Harry feel that he has a new family apart from the one to which he was born. And I think he needs that now more than ever

- Stephanie
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