Read the text and do the following exercises.

a) Check the right pronunciation in the dictionary and find Russian equivalents of the following words and phrases:

line of succession, outgoing person, fun-loving, to dub, to be determined, outstanding, academically gifted, routine, tailcoat, waistcoat, stiff collar, pinstriped trousers, one of the lads, to hit the headlines, cannabis, to become public knowledge, sobering effect, to make the occasion, Coat of Arms, good works, contribution, charity, resemblance.

PRINCE HARRY: THE “HAPPY PRINCE”

Prince Henry Charles Albert David, born on September 15, 1984 at St. Mary’s Hospital in central London is third in the line of succession to the throne, behind his father, the Prince of Wales, and his elder brother, Prince William.

Henry Charles Albert has always been known as Prince Harry and as he’s been outgoing and fun-loving boy ever since he was a kid, he was later dubbed the Happy Prince. His mother, Princess Diana, was determined that her sons should enjoy a “normal” lifestyle, and the three were often seen at amusement parks, going into McDonald’s restaurants or the cinema.

Harry attended the same schools as William, and in September 1998, he followed his elder brother to Eton, the most famous private school in Britain. Founded in 1440 by Henry VI, EtonCollege has given Britain 20 prime ministers and quite a few outstanding poets and writers.

Harry wasn’t as academically gifted as his brother William, but he earned a place at Eton and became instantly popular with his fellow students. He soon settled into the school’s routine. He got used to Eton’s school uniform – black tailcoat and waistcoat, stiff collar and pinstriped trousers. It’s one of the oldest uniforms in the world (dating back to Tudor times) and can’t be thrown on in a hurry. Harry also learned a whole new language. At Eton homework is called EWs or “extra works”, the teachers are “beaks” and each school term is known as a half, though there are three of them in a year.

At Eton Harry had a reputation for being “one of the lads”, unlike his more serious brother William. But in his seventeenth year his name hit the headlines in a rather unpleasant way. His experiments with cannabis became public knowledge. Prince Charles’s reaction was quick. Even before the newspapers appeared with Harry’s Drugs Shame, Trouble with Harry headlines, he had already taken his son to a drug clinic for a day. Talking to doctors and drug addicts seemed to have a sobering effect on Harry.

On September 15, 2002 Prince Harry celebrated his 18^th birthday. To mark this occasion, Her Majesty the Queen gave the Prince his own Coat of Arms. On that day Harry was busy with good works: visiting hospitals and speaking to the homeless. He wanted to remind the public about his mother’s large contribution to charity.

Princess Diana’s influence on Harry is very strong. And while most people note the marked resemblance between Princess Diana and William, some friends of the family say that in reality, it is Harry who is more like his mother in many ways.

Harry’s academic achievements at Eton were not outstanding, but he was excellent at sports and arts. Prince Harry plays football, rugby and cricket, enjoys swimming and skiing and is an excellent polo player. Specialists say that he has got a great eye for the ball, he rides well, and if he worked hard, he could join the elite group of 100 professional polo players in Britain.

Like his father, Harry loves painting. He is a talented artist and has had his works exhibited at the school. Besides, in March, 2003 Harry played one of the leading parts in Much Ado About Nothing.*

In June Harry left Eton College. No more “beaks” (teachers), no more books for him. As he left school for the last time, he turned to the photographers and cried, “At last!”

Prince Harry announced his decision to enroll in a military academy, but before that he took a gap year. That meant he would spend a year not working or studying but travelling and working. He visited Australia and worked at a cattle station learning how to be a “jackaroo”.

What does the future hold for Prince Harry? William’s role as the future king is clearly defined, but Harry is the “spare”, as his mother called him. William is always on his guard, instinctively aware of his position, Harry is much more relaxed, showing his feelings and saying what he thinks. He seems to enjoy his second son’s status to the full, although once some years ago, when William expressed his concern about his future role as a king, Harry exclaimed “I’d love it!”

(N. Kidd)

MuchAdoAboutNothing – «Много шума из ничего» (комедия Шекспира)

Jackaroo– «джекеру», австралийский ковбой

spare – запасной

onhisguard – начеку

relaxed – раскованный, свободный

concern – озабоченность.

b) Answer the following questions:

1. Who is the first in line of succession to the throne behind Queen Elizabeth II?

2. Why was Prince Harry dubbed the Happy Prince?

3. What can you say about Princess Diana’s influence on their children? Why did she want them to grow “normal” boys and enjoy “normal” lifestyle?

4. What kind of education do you think Prince Harry got?

5. Did Prince Harry earn his place at Eton?

6. Was it difficult for him to become “one of the lads”?

7. Why is it necessary to wear school uniform at Eton? How old is the tradition?

8. What happened on Harry’s seventeenth birthday?

9. What was the reaction of Prince Charles, his father?

10. How did Harry celebrate his eighteenth birthday?

c) Look through the text and prove that:

1. Prince Harry got excellent education.

2. Prince Charles is a strict but loving father.

3. Queen Elizabeth II loves her grandson Harry.

4. Prince Harry is an excellent sportsman and artist.

5. Harry is much more relaxed in his life.

UNIT 4