Prince Harry's drinking defended

Royal aides in Britain have defended Prince Harry over revelations that he downed vodka at a party.

The News of the World said the 17-year-old drank six bottles of Smirnoff Ice at a polo club in Gloucestershire, but St James' Palace said the incident had been "blown out of all proportion".

Just months ago Harry was reprimanded by his father, Prince Charles, for underage drinking in a pub and smoking cannabis.