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From The Times
December 31, 2007

Prince Charles gets on high horse over ‘prat’ photographer

Steve Bird

The Prince of Wales rounded on a photographer, calling him “an annoying little prat” while out riding at his Norfolk estate.

The Prince, 59, who had spent five days with his family at Sandringham, shunned a shooting party hosted by the Duke of Edinburgh on Saturday morning and instead was driven to his stables. He emerged on a chestnut horse and rode across a field directly towards press photographers who were on a public road.

The Prince scowled as he pulled his horse around one photographer and snapped: “Get out of the way you annoying little prat. Can’t anybody have a ride in peace?”

One witness, who did not want to be named, said: “I don’t think he wanted to be bothered by anyone. He looked really angry and had a face like thunder.”

The Prince then set off at a gallop. It is understood that he and the Duchess of Cornwall were due to leave Sandringham on Boxing Day to see in the new year at Birkhall, Balmoral. But it is believed that he extended his stay at the 20,000-acre estate to spend more time with his family.

It is not known whether Prince William and Prince Harry had returned to the estate following regimental duties on Christmas Day.

An estate worker said: “The Royal Family are like any other family. There are bound to be some tensions when people are forced to spend several days together.

“I guess Charles thought he deserved some time by himself. He looked very smartly turned out in his riding gear.”

While the Prince was out riding alone, the Princess Royal, 57, showed her enthusiasm for country sports as she collected dead pheasants at the shoot.

Why should a working photographer - on a PUBLIC road trying to do his job - be abused by this high-handed, crass little Prince Prat who apparently thinks that his accident of birth gives him the right to be appallingly rude to members of the public and who seems to think he can even order them to "Get out of my way" in a place where they have just as much right to be as he has. If the annoying little Prince Prat doesn't want to be seen by members of the general public (including photographers), then there's a very simple and obvious answer - let him "ride in peace" in glorious privacy within the confines of his vast feudal estates where members of the public are not permitted to venture.

JudyS, Australia,

If the Prince is to serve the people and keep up the unbelievable schedule of responsibilities he has attended to all his life, he certainly deserves some private time off.

Melanie Painter, Pembroke Pines, USA/Florida

So he called some pond-life pap a prat ?
I can only admire his restraint.

Paul Chenery, London,

A superb example of his flawed mentality. Why doesn't he realise,you can't have all the perks that go with an accident of birth and an outmoded archaic throwback to the past and then complain when somebody wants to take your photograph.
His mum has worked hard but let's call it a day when she "retires".
His wife can't even launch a ship!

alan madox, wirral , england

Good on you Charles, why do these fools think they have the right to intrude whenever they like. When i hear of one getting a thump, I simply cheer out loud.

D Case, Newquay,

Annoying little prat?
The words Kettle, Pot and Black come to mind.

Western Observer, Gloucester, UK

i love the royal family. I have met several and find them to be genuine, sincerely concerned about the welfare of the British people, and truly humane and kind.

Brittany, Bristol, England

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