WHETHER he likes it or not, Prince Harry has found himself in a position of great privilege and responsibility.

By lashing out at a photographer outside a nightclub and using bad language, he has fallen well short of the standards that extraordinary position demands.

That said, he is a young man who lives in a goldfish bowl, where privacy can never be taken for granted.

He has made great strides recently in building a favourable public image: displaying the caring characteristics and common touch of his mother through his commitment to charity work.

It would be a shame if that progress were hampered by a moment of madness when it all became too much and he snapped.

We do not condone Prince Harry's actions for one moment. He has to learn that self-control is a fundamental part of his role in life.

But it would be wrong not to appreciate how hard that must be.

Another own goal

THERE are times when it is very difficult not to wonder if the Football Association operates in a different world.

In its wisdom, the FA has decided that there was "insufficient evidence" to charge David Beckham with bringing the game into disrepute over his deliberate yellow card.

Insufficient evidence? Is a frank admission that he got himself booked so that he could dodge a ban not evidence enough?

The FA has tied itself in knots more than once with its inability to show leadership and discipline.

It has to set an example, and by letting the England captain off the hook so easily, it has scored yet another own goal.