A nightclub has been hit with a $2,000 bill after Britain’s Prince Harry left through their fire exit.
The royal was allowed to leave the 151 Club in London’s upmarket Chelsea by the back doors so he could avoid photographers, but the day after the prince’s visit, owner Giorgio Burlo received a visit from health and safety officers who ordered him to resurface the back yard.
Giorgio said: ”Apparently, there were concerns Prince Harry might trip up and hurt himself next time. I couldn’t believe it – not least because it was not long afterwards that Harry was sent to Afghanistan where, of course, there was a bit more chance of him really getting hurt!
”I’m not blaming the council. The [health and safety] man was very nice and polite and he has a job to do. I agreed with him that the exit was a little bit uneven. But it was quite a surprise when he turned up the very next day after it was reported that Harry had left by the back exit. I assume they saw a report of it and just came round.”
Giorgio admits the area is rarely used, and though he doesn’t mind having to pay out on the repairs, he would be happier if the prince returned to the nightspot again.
He added to the Daily Mail newspaper: ”I re-surfaced the whole area, although we hardly ever use the back exit because it’s a fire escape really. But I just thought the prince and his friends would appreciate leaving that way because there were four paparazzi photographers waiting outside at the front.
”Of course, I can see the irony in it all. I did him a favour and ended up having to pay for the repairs. I don’t mind but I haven’t seen him since.”
Kensington & Chelsea council said its health and safety officials visited the club for routine checks.