Prince Harry brings a whole new meaning to “royal pains.” Unless you live under a rock … or you’re still waiting on Time Warner to install your cable and Internet, I’m sure you’ve probably heard about the photo scandal surrounding Prince Harry. In case you haven’t, the British prince was recently photographed nude in Las Vegas after an intense game of strip billiards.
Aside from his apparent lack of clothes and pool skills, Prince Harry was also lacking in the common sense department. Did he really think, “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas?” He must have forgotten about the rich, redheaded royalty clause that revokes any right to privacy or a personal life.
Nonetheless, the 27-year-old prince was snapped butt-naked in his VIP suite cupping his genitals in front of an unknown woman. In another photo, he is seen “bear hugging” another unknown woman who also appears to be naked.
However, even after that visual scarring, I still can’t help but feel bad for him. I mean, what happened to the days when over-privileged Brits could go knickerless in the privacy of their own hotel rooms with their closest friends … and 30 acquaintances from the downstairs hotel bar?
To whom can a prince turn when his family wants to disown him for defaming their royal name? Why, Las Vegas “tourism officials,” of course. I know what you’re thinking: There are actually “official” authoritative figures in the business of promoting immoral, hedonistic behavior?
The answer is yes, and they are outraged. So outraged that they have decided to launch an ad campaign criticizing anyone who leaked photos of Prince Harry’s nude escapade. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority believes it to be a “violation of their slogan.” According to
UPI.com, “The ad urges visitors to go to VisitLasVegas.com/knowthecode to familiarize themselves with the city’s partying protocols.”
Wait a minute, I had no idea Las Vegas even had standards, let alone “partying protocols.” The ad even goes as far as to invite visitors to sign a petition vowing not to break the code. What’s the code, you ask? It is basically an implied urge not to out your best friend’s orgy or his attempt at getting sex from a hooker. Or in Prince Harry’s case, giving naked bear hugs to endearing strangers. Either way, this is very serious stuff and I think we all need to sign the petition.
The moral of the story: There are such things as sins in “Sin City.”
Casey Compernolle is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Have you ever had a nude-photo scandal? Email Casey at cc150709@ohiou.edu.
