Thank God for naked princes in Las Vegas!

Finally, something to discuss other than the Duchess of Cambridge's clothes and the Duke of Edinburgh's death watch! This is quite possibly the biggest story to hit royal watchers since Catherine reignited the debate on pantyhose vs no pantyhose.

A naked prince allows us to focus on what really matters in the world of royalty. Upon seeing photographs of said naked prince (see explanation below), you've probably had one of six possible reactions.

1) You've sighed dramatically and fallen into a dead-faint. Currently waiting for someone to revive you with smelling salts.

2) You've indulged in sanctimonious preaching and proclaimed yourself an armchair arbiter of royal behavior.

3) Dying of curiosity, you've openly wished Harry had removed his hand.

4) Dying of curiosity, you've secretly wished Harry had removed his hand.

5) You've spent the last few days composing a blog post before the story inevitably dies out.

6) You don`t care or understand what all of the fuss is about.

Whichever reaction you`ve experienced, I applaud you for reading this jump on the bandwagon blog post.

Yes, Prince Harry was photographed. In  Las Vegas, naked, playing strip billiards, in the privacy of his hotel suite. Now that these photographs have come to light, Harry is supposedly 'no longer a role model', he has behaved in a 'disgraceful manner', he has 'brought disrepute on the British royal family' and 'someone needs to drum some sense into him before it's too late'. What a shame, if only Harry had known he had to set an example in the privacy of his hotel room. The family firm isn't supposed to take a day off, is it?

The fact that Prince Harry parties is nothing new. Young, virile and single, we expect it of him. Why are people suddenly appalled and offended now that there's photographic proof of it?  Should Harry have known better than to invite strangers into his private suite? Let that be a lesson to you Harry. In the future, choose your naked friends more carefully.

Unfortunately for Harry, he is a senior royal by accident of birth rather than choice. Along with his brother and sister-in-law, he is expected to shore up the Firm and carry the royal flag forward. It's a losing battle. Unlike in previous generations when royalty set the tone for society, deference is dead and gone. The Queen, her husband and first cousins are a dying breed and times have changed. Holding Harry to the same standards of royal behavior is unrealistic. For Harry, and for people who continue to expect it from any member of the new royal generation.

For now Harry would be wise to keep his head down and his pants on. Oh, and while at it, learn how to play billiards for next time.

The public is watching and waiting.

 © Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Royal Review: The Regal Rules for Girls by Jerramy Fine

The Regal Rules for Girls by Jerramy Fine
320 Pages
Published August 2012
ISBN: 978-0425247648

While reading The Regal Rules for Girls, I found myself incredibly impressed with the wealth of information within its pages. I couldn't help but wonder - what isn't The Regal Rules for Girls? Is it a self-help book? Etiquette guide? Career counselling? Educational brochure? Travel guide? Dating advice from a wise friend? Party planning guide?

In a brief, it is a manual for any American girl who has ever dreamed of moving to the United Kingdom in search of her prince.

Basing Regal Rules for Girls on her own experience,which she wrote about in her wonderfully entertaining memoir Someday My Prince Will Come, Jerramy offers a guide for other plucky American women to pursue their own prince charming. However, unlike other self-help books filled with inspirational platitudes, this one offers a pragmatic and calculated approach towards achieving happily ever after. Call it a reality check for would be Cinderellas. If you want the glass slipper, you're going to have to work for it.

Forget dreaming about your prince, you'll have to single-mindedly hunt him down in his natural environment.  Jerramy offers tips on how to spot your prey based on physical characteristics and educational background, and recommends the best 'Regal Hunting Grounds' (Polo matches, sailing, skiing in the Alps) with accompanying websites. Should the need arise, essential survival skills are provided: the full lyrics to God Save the Queen, classic martini recipe, diagram for how to properly tie a bow tie, sailing lingo to impress your nautical suitor, and a pronunciation guide so you don't unwittingly become a social pariah when you just want to relax on the couch sofa.

All sorts of unromantic territory is covered: government visas, finding an apartment flat-share, gaining employment, finding proper dental care, and the best place to purchase American food staples. Buying the plane ticket is the easy part. If navigating the unspoken minefield of British social intricacies doesn't dissuade you, nothing else will.

Following these rules to the letter you will have no excuse for not being successful in your pursuit. The Regal Rules for Girls offers all of the tips you'll need to get there. Happily ever after is now up to you.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.