hellomagazine.com

HARRY GETS MASHED IN POTATO RIOT

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6 FEBRUARY 2006

When Prince Harry began his training at Sandhurst Military Academy he will have been well-aware that Army life doesn't always involve top-notch cuisine. The young royal might have been forgiven for thinking he'd receive his daily rations on a plate, though, rather than having them hurled at him from across a courtyard, as happened at the weekend.

Prince Charles' younger son wasn't expecting to satisfy his hunger when he became the target of a hail of airborne potatoes: the 21-year-old was taking part in a riot control exercise in which he was pelted with dozens of raw spuds by his fellow cadets.

His flying food encounter came as part of a mock riot staged to train the future officers in how to keep their cool when confronted by an angry mob. Trainees at the academy were split into goodies and baddies before the 'rioters' were given large barrels of potatoes with which to lay siege to their opponents.

The Prince was no doubt left with a few bruises from the starchy onslaught, but he got his chance to take revenge on his attackers later in the day when the roles were reversed. Donning civilian clothes to take his turn as an unruly troublemaker, the third-in-line proved he was right on target.