by Ray Fleming
RECENT research among young people in Britain showed that some 60 per cent know nothing about the Auschwitz death camp or the Holocaust in which millions of Jews lost their lives at the hands of the Nazis. Does Prince Harry number himself among them?
It's often said that ignorance is no excuse but in this case it may be the only possible excuse for the Prince's decision to dress in Nazi uniform at a fancy dress party attended by 250 people, among whom at least one had a camera.
Thus far comment following the publication by the Sun newspaper of a picture of Prince Harry in Nazi regalia has concentrated on whether his written apology is sufficient. It is not. It says I am very sorry if I caused any offence or embarrassment to anyone. Is it conceivable that he harbours any doubt whether he caused offence or embarrassment? If it is, the trouble with Harry is more serious than any of us thought.
The very least that the statement should have contained was a recognition that offence and embarrassment had been caused.
Understandably, much has been made of the impending 60th anniversary of the discovery of the Auschwitz camp by Russian forces at the end of World War Two. But Prince Harry's crass behaviour would have been unacceptable at any time to all those who fought or suffered in that war, including members of his own family.
Once again a corner of the Royal curtain is lifted and we are appalled at what we see. Was there no one in Prince Harry's entourage who knew what was in his mind and conceived it as his or her duty to warn him against being so foolish?