Donation by Prince Was Bloody Generous

LONDON — Someone in Britain will receive an infusion of royal blood soon, but he or she will never know it.

Prince Charles, heir to the throne, donated a pint of blood today at the North London Transfusion Center.

The center’s director, Dr. Marcela Contreras, said the 36-year-old prince was invited to donate blood--something he has never done before--in an effort to allay public fears about AIDS and its link to blood transfusions.

“We hope the prince’s visit will encourage other people and allay their fears,” she said. “His blood will not be specially labeled. It will be totally anonymous and go to any patient in need.”