Royal Family Criticized for Wartime Fun
Members of Britain’s royal family have been shooting game birds, playing golf or skiing while the nation’s troops are at war--and some media have lashed out at the monarchy.
Buckingham Palace responded today to a barrage of withering media attacks by publicizing a list of Gulf-related royal engagements, including a trip to Saudi Arabia by Prince Charles in December.
But some royalty watchers said the only proper way to deflect criticism would be for one of the princes to join the armed forces in the Gulf.
In a scathing reference to Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth’s husband, Prince Philip, the Sunday Times sparked the row by saying they had taken up arms “but only to go hunting birds.”
It also lambasted the queen’s second son, Prince Andrew, a naval lieutenant, for taking time off from shipboard duties in the Mediterranean to play golf in Spain, and his wife, the Duchess of York, for skiing and attending a high-spirited dinner party.
“Andrew’s golf war shames monarchy,” said the Today newspaper.
One television poll said more than 75% of callers answered “Yes” to the question: “Are you disgusted by the behavior of the young royals?”
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