Do we think this was blatant pr?

Good for them getting stuck in. It sounds genuine to me.

Quotes -
"they were quietly working with a team of 20 members of the Household Cavalry and Network Rail staff"

"The private visit was unannounced but once news of their work spread, they were followed by journalists and cameramen.

Asked by ITV News whether he was enjoying helping, Prince Harry replied: "Not really with you guys around".

"Prince William has suggested that reporters gathered in flood-hit Datchet should "come and help instead of throwing cameras around."

Unless they're going to fill sandbags for a week then it can only be a PR photo-opportunity.

Are any politicians volunteering to fill sandbags?

If it were not for the cameras the Government and EA wouldn't have been shamed into taking effective action.

Probably not, because it would be seen as a photo-opportunity.

Look at the stick Cameron, Milliband, et al have taken for turning up in their wellies.

Ok! looks like they really did put their backs into it

I take it all back.

Are they between proper jobs?

If they dived into arctic shark-infested seas to rescue a casualty, personally delivered a baby in an air ambulance they had piloted through raging storms, and bought, loaded and delivered supplies to a population made homeless by disaster, they would still be accused of "only doing it for the cameras"

Are those who vilify them not aware of just how spiteful they sound?

Prefer a republic if you want, and vote for it if you get the chance, but when a couple of fit young ex-servicemen roll up their sleeves and give some practical help, give them some credit.

Has Prince Harry left the Army?

Typo. I had typed servicemen, then realised that William had left. Overcompensated - bracketing.

Yes, I believe he has.

No, apparently he is still in the army. FGS leave them alone - they're damned if they do and damned if they don't

Well said, Elegran.

I don't think I'll start anymore threads on here. Did n't think for one moment I'd get all this! Bitter or what?!!!

I like your Threads jingle keep em coming

yes Jingl this is a perfectly reasonable thread. It's rather naive for anyone to think that the Palace does not have a PR machine; it's a full time job there for several people.The Princes may or may not have suggested it themselves, but it doesn't really matter two hoots anyway.To me.Photo opportunities are always on the agenda for any politicians, royals, celebrities, it's part of life.

River walk.

Don't you ever think the Royal's can be decent for the sake of it ?

They were there with a few mates from the Household Cavalry , what did they do wrong for heaven's sake.

I agree Elegran, they are two young men who have earnt respect by their deeds. They will keep doing it as well so I for one say good on em.

Perhaps I should go and join them, it might get rid of bingo wings.

Seriously, they are young, fit, trained servicemen. They are helping not hindering or just wringing their hands.

Ok ex-servicemen/man before anyone picks me up. And it does sound as if they were working for a while before the press vultures found out. They could have just visited and stood around 'observing'.

Good on them I say. One minute we are criticising people for not being self-reliant, the next minute we are criticising two fit young men for helping and saying that they are doing it for publicity.
Their actions may encourage others to offer help.

Has anyone asked the people they were working beside?

I haven't.

Neither did the journalists.

Yes, I do think it was blatant PR - but then that's nothing new is it.

I don't think it was blatant PR, just ordinary PR. In addition I think "so what?" Why does that matter if they are doing something useful? They are more useful than most celebrities who get air time for just being air heads.