We’re used to the curtsying and gentility of the royals, but, when it comes to diplomacy, we all know it’s not like Prince Harry to go the traditional way.
Whilst in Namibia, Africa, on a recent mission to stop poaching in rhino and elephant parks, Prince Harry found himself in somewhat of a sticky situation when it emerged that the Namibian government had not given him permission to enter into that territory and had warned him not to turn his mission into a ‘PR exercise’.
“We have a model system here with which we are gradually defeating poachers. We cannot have foreigners – even if they are members of the Royal Family – turning up here and announcing they are going to get involved,” said one government official.
Whilst another commented that Harry’s actions would be like “a foreigner turning up in Windsor Great Park to announce he was working on the Queen’s herd of deer, without asking her permission”.
Upon learning that, despite his royal mandate, he was unwelcome on the land; His Royal Highness went out of his way to smooth the relations over.
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Almost two hours out of his way.
Jumping into his rental car in ‘grubby jeans’, Prince Harry drove two hours to meet with the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, and managed to charm himself out of trouble.
Sitting down to have tea with the Minister, Harry obviously put on his best smile, and was able appease Mr Shifeta.
Prince Harry and Mr Shifeta
“I found Prince Harry to be very down-to-earth and respectful,” said Mr Shifeta to The Mail about his impromptu royal visit.
Prince Harry and his team escaped any prosecution and were allowed, with Namibia’s blessing, to continue his work.
Must be that Windsor charm.
