Prince Harry is used to a rock star welcome when he travels around the world, and adoring fans know the drill as well.
Hundreds of women crowded in Washington DC, jostling to get closest to Britain’s most eligible bachelor as he touched down in the US for his week-long tour.
But screaming teens and excited Capitol Hill staffers were no match for Michelle Obama, who true to her title was the First Lady to get to the Prince, welcoming the 28-year-old royal heartthrob into her home for a reception in honour of military mothers and their children.
Harry caused quite a stir on his arrival in Washington, where tweets from the capital saw an abrupt change in mood that caused women to go from giddy to grumpy after they were asked to leave the balconies of the Russell Senate Office building on Capitol Hill where they gathered to catch a glimpse of the Prince.
Former presidential candidate Senator John McCain said that though the Prince must be used to it, he himself didn’t anticipate such a reception from female staffers.
“He was kind of embarrassed [by the screaming], I think it’s a normal reaction,” Sen. McCain said.
“I’m sure it’s not the first time he has had that experience, but in all the years I’ve been coming here I’ve never seen such an unbalanced gender gap.”
Prince Harry was swiftly escorted to the scheduled White House charity event by the First Lady while the president himself was out of town.
The visit by the British soldier was kept secret from the 170 guests who were honoured by his presence.
“Well, surprise!” said the First Lady.
“It is an honour to welcome Prince Harry to the White House today. As you all may know, Prince Harry is a captain in the Army Air Corps in the British Armed Forces.
“In January he returned from his second deployment to Afghanistan.
“He has spent much of his time supporting our wounded warriors and the families of our fallen. This weekend he will be attending the 4th Annual Warrior Games at Colorado Springs.
“We are absolutely thrilled he could be with us today. He just arrived in DC. He only has a limited time here, but when he heard about this tea and all of you, he wanted to be here to personally thank you for all your service.”
Harry charmed military mothers and entertained children on the first official engagement of his US tour and continues with his jam-packed seven-day itinerary.
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