Prince William's Afghanistan visit gets mixed response

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2008

LONDON (AFP) — Prince William's visit to meet troops in Afghanistan this weekend drew a mixed response Wednesday, with some condemning it as a public relations exercise and others praising the future king.

The 25-year-old, who is second-in-line to the throne, spent about three hours on the ground at Kandahar airfield on Monday, meeting personnel and being briefed on operations before returning to Britain, the royal household said.

A spokesman said the trip was designed to help the young royal familiarise himself with Royal Air Force operations in theatre. William, a trained army officer, has been on a four-month attachment with the RAF.

But Ken Wharfe, a former royal protection officer, suggested the flying visit may have been organised to divert attention...