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Princes William and Harry join flood effort in Berkshire | Princes William and Harry join flood effort in Berkshire |
(35 minutes later) | |
The Duke of Cambridge and his brother Prince Harry have joined colleagues from the armed forces helping the flood effort in Berkshire. | The Duke of Cambridge and his brother Prince Harry have joined colleagues from the armed forces helping the flood effort in Berkshire. |
The pair have been working since 06:00 GMT in Datchet helping homeowners protect their properties with sandbags. | The pair have been working since 06:00 GMT in Datchet helping homeowners protect their properties with sandbags. |
The brothers have longstanding careers in the military and Harry is still a serving officer with the Household Cavalry. | The brothers have longstanding careers in the military and Harry is still a serving officer with the Household Cavalry. |
The Queen has also provided feed and bedding to flood-hit Somerset farmers. | The Queen has also provided feed and bedding to flood-hit Somerset farmers. |
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said she was "supporting" those affected on the Somerset Levels by making a contribution from the royal farms at Windsor. | A Buckingham Palace spokesman said she was "supporting" those affected on the Somerset Levels by making a contribution from the royal farms at Windsor. |
On the princes' involvement, a Kensington Palace spokesman said: "They wanted to show their support for the flood victims and have joined the armed forces' relief effort." | On the princes' involvement, a Kensington Palace spokesman said: "They wanted to show their support for the flood victims and have joined the armed forces' relief effort." |
The private visit was unannounced but television cameramen and photographers followed the pair once news of their work spread. | |
When Prince Harry was asked by reporters if he was enjoying helping out, he replied: "Not really, with you guys around." | |
A newspaper reporter said he was asked by Prince William: "Why don't you put your notebook down and give us a hand with the sandbags?" | |
But when the journalist agreed to help, aides said he was not wearing the appropriate clothing to carry out the role. | |
River levels in Berkshire are expected to rise further over the weekend, with the Environment Agency recording parts of the Thames at their highest for 60 years. | River levels in Berkshire are expected to rise further over the weekend, with the Environment Agency recording parts of the Thames at their highest for 60 years. |
Meanwhile, the BBC understands Network Rail may shut the line between Reading and Paddington after flooding affected signalling equipment at Maidenhead. | Meanwhile, the BBC understands Network Rail may shut the line between Reading and Paddington after flooding affected signalling equipment at Maidenhead. |
Officials have denied any decision has been made and said they were "monitoring the situation". | Officials have denied any decision has been made and said they were "monitoring the situation". |
A limited number of trains can run through the affected area with passengers advised to avoid the route if possible until a solution can be found. | A limited number of trains can run through the affected area with passengers advised to avoid the route if possible until a solution can be found. |
More than 1,000 homes have been flooded along the Thames in the past two weeks. | More than 1,000 homes have been flooded along the Thames in the past two weeks. |
West Berkshire Council said people who have been forced to vacate their homes due to flooding will be awarded council tax relief beyond the usual 28 days. | West Berkshire Council said people who have been forced to vacate their homes due to flooding will be awarded council tax relief beyond the usual 28 days. |
Severe flood warnings remain in force from Old Windsor to Wraysbury. | Severe flood warnings remain in force from Old Windsor to Wraysbury. |