No birthday cruise for Prince William or Prince Harry

Princes William and Harry will miss out on a cruise around Scotland to celebrate the Queen’s 80th birthday.

The Queen and other members of the royal family will take a cruise on the Hebridean Princess in a family celebration of the monarch’s landmark birthday. The Queen is said to be bitterly disappointed that both Princes William and Harry will be unable to join in the fun.

It seems that more than a few eyebrows have been raised by the amount of time the pair are being seen away from their training in recent times. One source claimed `There is concern that William especially has had too much time off from Sandhurst. He's going to the World Cup in Germany while Harry was let out last year to play polo.'

Prince Harry can be excused to a certain degree as he has finished his training at Sandhurst. The 21 year old is now undertaking further training in Dorset as a troop leader. Most people find it reasonable to accept that as Harry has left Sandhurst, that he should be able to enjoy free nights and weekends away from the army.

Prince William is a different story. Still undertaking his intensive training, the soon to be 24 year old, is expected to spend various weekends at the base learning different and important military courses.

This news is in complete odds with a statement from a source at Sandhurst who vehemently denied any special treatment was being given to Prince William. The source was quoted as saying that the Prince had no time off from his training until August when all cadets were allowed time away.

So far both Princes have had permission to leave Sandhurst for special purposes. Prince Harry was allowed leave last year to take part in a polo match for charity. This year Prince William was allowed leave for a wedding, a special night at a charity event for the Tusk Trust (which he is patron of) and last but not least, to watch England play their first match in the World Cup.

Some of the harsher royal critics would point out that both have been given special treatment. Most would agree that so long as any time away from their bases is not interfering with their training, then they should be allowed leave.

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