Prince Harry’s ‘Sad’ Fear of Breaking Rules During Night Out
Darts boss Barry Hearn recently shared a memorable story about his encounter with Prince Harry at the 2011 World Darts Championship, when the young royal had just returned from military service.
Speaking on *The Barry Hearn Show*, the darts promoter recalled how Harry, then 27, attended the event with friends, enjoying the lively atmosphere of the tournament.
However, Hearn mentioned a slightly awkward moment when Harry's face appeared on the big screen, prompting fans to chant for a wave from the Duke. Unsure of how to respond, Harry hesitated, leading Hearn to gently suggest that he wave to the crowd.
Reflecting on the situation, Hearn, now 76, expressed his sympathy for Harry, acknowledging the discomfort of the moment. “He’d just left the army and was clearly letting off some steam,” Hearn recalled.
Despite the brief awkwardness, Hearn appreciated Harry’s presence, noting that Harry and his friends were “great fun” and left a positive impression on the crowd.
As Harry's face appeared on the big screen, fans excitedly began chanting, "Harry, give us a wave!" However, under royal guidelines, his image was only allowed to appear on screen three times, with a strict limit of just two photos for the evening.
When fans urged him to wave, Harry looked to Hearn for guidance, unsure of what to do. Sensing Harry's hesitation, Hearn encouraged him, saying, "If you stand up now and wave, your street credibility is assured for life because you’ll connect with the everyday man."
In response, Harry admitted, "I'm not sure I'm allowed to." Reflecting on the moment, Hearn said, “I thought that was quite sad. He shouldn’t be living in a world with rules like that.”
This story sheds light on the unique challenges Harry faced, even during a casual, fun night out, as he tried to engage with fans while adhering to the strict royal protocols.
