Forgetful prince files into America

Forgetful prince files into America

LONDON: Prince Andrew flew to New York without his passport on Saturday, but the vital document was sent quickly along on a following flight, Buckingham Palace said.

The prince left London's Heathrow Airport aboard a scheduled British Airways flight to spend four days in New York, where he is to meet with Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and place a wreath at a shrine to the Britons killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

He and his entourage were waiting in an airport VIP lounge when it was discovered his passport was missing. After hurried telephone calls to get U.S. approval for his travel, he left aboard the jumbo jet. The passport went out on the next BA flight, the palace said.

During the visit, Prince Andrew is also to visit the American Red Cross and attend a church service. He will ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, near the site of the destroyed World Trade Center. -- AP