Should Harry Apologize?
A public apology from Prince Harry should include the following: His utter humility in making the declaration; a candid display of understanding that his entire life is the exception of privacy legislation and that therefore he has no defense in the context of a private party; a recognition that he has offended many good people and that a knowledge of history is not a disposable commodity but an essential element of democratic monarchies such as Britain. He should show the world that he understands why associating himself with the National Socialist Party is repugnant, why wearing its regalia is not without meaning beyond the confines of his socializing. That said -- it is worthwhile to note that so little has been explained why another member of the family would also be going to a "Native and Colonials" fancy dress party -- which sounds somewhat racist to me. But then, I'm a Canadian, and not so sophisticated. -- David Woodward, Canada
He should not merely visit Auschwitz, he should undergo a few weeks of living like the prisoners at Auschwitz. Perhaps his life of privilege and excused childish behavior could be turned around by enduring some hardship. Harry's apology is not enough; he should face serious consequences for such hateful and insensitive behavior. -- D. Friberg, US
It would be interesting to know some of the other costumes worn to this "native and colonial" party. The British should not be too proud of how they treated the natives during colonial times. Yet, I did not hear any Africans or Indians complaining about this party theme or how they, doubtlessly, were ridiculed at this party. It's just possible, isn't it, that Harry was trying to tell his countrymen something! -- Heike
It is a disgrace for the royal member to display such insensivity toward the past suffering of others. Regardless of his royal status, he should be punished according to the law of the land. If he is spared from such "stupid" display, it is simply another excurse to protect him. Agree or not, he is still a human being, flesh and blood, and is not any better than other human being. He should make apology in person if he is man enough. I challenge him to do so. If he dares to do it, he should be brave enough to accept the consequence. The excuse of "poor" choice is quite lame. To be a man, you have to prove it, Harry. -- Chhan D. Touch, US
Harry should apologize in person. I live in the US, was born in the Netherlands, and lived under the dreadful Nazi regime from 1940-1945. No one who has any idea of the horrors inflicted by Hitler and his supporters would do what Harry did. Stupid, ignorant and arrogant -- that's what it is! -- Walter G. Bruinsma, US
Not only should Harry apologize to both the British people and German people via television and radio immediately, he should be sent to Germany by his father, Prince Charles, for a one-year German immersion course. He should also be advised by the authorities at Sandhurst that his application to attend is no longer acceptable or wanted. He is an absolute disgrace and embarrassment to both the Queen, his grandmother, and to his father. -- John A. Brown, Canada
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His apology should be in public and then the incident should be closed. But the furor certainly indicates continued world opinion that refuses to acccept that Germans (or at least most Germans) have moved on from the Nazi era and are part of a free and democratic society. -- Channing Dichter
I feel so sorry for Harry. He needs to grow up and show some respect. He most certianly does need to apologize in person and yes, make him go to Auschwitz and see what went on. -- Mario deLosada, Canada
Harry should apologize in person and go to visit the death camps. He should know better. He offended all decent people including modern Germans, Jews, members of the resistance and all those who died to eradicate that hated symbol. I am not a moralist and do not shock easily but this was in such bad taste that it goes beyond the pale. Nothing he does in the future will ever eradicate this stupidity, even if he worked in Calcutta with the poor for the next 20 years. I don't care in the least how many drugs he takes, how much he drinks or how many women or men he sleeps with. This is just youthful normality. However, this latest incident shows something twisted and sick in his character which he will never live down. -- Alan Smith, Australia
Why should Prince Harry have to bend over backwards to appease the mandarins of "political correctness" -- this item made a welcome change on the Sun's front page from seeing the recent rubbish about the tsunami -- a media frenzy of pretended "caring" and false sympathy if there ever was one. It's all about selling newspapers,isn't it -- just like the picture of Harry. These media hypocrites offend me more than Harry in his armband. -- Dave Clifton
Harry knew what he was doing when he thought of wearing it. And then decided to parade around in it. A spoiled rich boy who wanted to have some fun, and instead ended up offending people. Yes he should apologize in public. He may be a prince but he is also suppose to be a symbol of status and education, human compassion, and of leadership. He does not deserve special breaks in life, he's only human. -- A. Katzenberg
A tempest in a teacup. Prince Harry is a young man who in the eyes of some did a foolish thing and did not anticipate that media hyenas would get on his tail. Our own former prime minister, Pierre Trudeau, as a young man wore a German WWII helmet with a swastika on it when riding his motorcycle. Foolish? Yes. Criminal? No. -- Anthony Chernushenko, Canada
Yes, he should apologize in public, but this step should come from within himself. I don't think one can force him to do this. -- T. Bjhattacharya
It is well-known that there were many Nazi sympathizers among the British nobility and upper class and Harry should be aware of this. Furthermore, with the upsurge in anti-Semitism in Europe, such a stupid stunt gives aid and comfort to the self-declared enemies of western civilization. I hope for the sake of the Brits that Harry, given his evident stupidity and lack of comon sense, never gets the chance to be King! -- Amy, US
One cannot deny that Nazism existed...and this was simply a costume. He was not necessarily glorifying Nazism nor the much hated swastika. People should quit focusing their attention on the young prince...he is just a person like anybody else. Had someone else dressed in this matter, it would not have made front page news. -- Heidi van der Muller
I must tell of a personal experience. It was in the 70s in the US. A friend wore his father's uniform shirt (WAFFEN SS) to a party we both attended. I took him aside, told him how offensive the shirt was calmly and asked him never to do it again. He was surpised that it caused offense, did apologize and as far as I know never did wear it again. -- Sandra Levy, US
