'Prince Harry kicked out of shop'

Prince Harry was forced to leave a shop empty-handed when staff failed to recognise him.

The 22-year-old Prince and some Army colleagues tried to buy an iPod from the exchange shop at US airbase RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk on Sunday.

Wearing fully Army uniform, Harry entered the store accompanied by colleagues and his bodyguard. One of the group then tried to buy an iPod but was refused as he was not a servicemen or family member at the base.

US forces spokesman Lieutenant Colonel David A Konop said staff hadn't a clue it was the third in line to the throne.

He said: "The girl at the till just did not recognise the Prince at all. I know all the staff were surprised when they realised who had been in the store.

"If we had known Prince Harry was in the store, we would have arranged something special with the RAF commander of the base."

Lt Col Konop added: "We're just really proud and pleased that Prince Harry chose to step on to our base and in the store."

"As you can imagine, the visit has created a lot of interest on the base as most Americans are fascinated with the British royal family."

Prince Harry will serve in Iraq in the summer and recently underwent training at the Stanta Battle Area near Thetford, Norfolk, as part of his preparation.

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

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