Public schools join countryside march

Eton College, Prince Harry's school, is among those giving thousands of pupils the weekend off to join their families in the capital.

The prince, however, will not be among them, according to St James's Palace.

Despite their father's passion for the countryside and hunting, 18-year-old Harry will not be attending, while Prince William will be at Highgrove preparing for his second year at St Andrews University.

Camilla

Prince Charles is believed to be concerned about them being dragged into a political debate if his sons attend an event which is seen as a direct attack on the government's hunting policy.

The march on Sunday is expected to draw at least 200,000 countryside campaigners to protest about the erosion of traditional rural life.

A spokeswoman for the Prince of Wales could not comment on Camilla Parker Bowles, who is understood to be keen to attend.

At Eton College, 1,280 boys are being allowed an extra Saturday night at home to attend the demonstration if their parents request it.

Younger boys going to the march must be accompanied, but sixth-formers could go on their own, the school said.

Headmaster Anthony Little told The Times newspaper there were strict restrictions on their attendance.

"We are sensitive to the level of interest but it is a free conscience matter," he said.

"There are no organised parties from the school but those who wish to join their parents can take the train from Windsor to Waterloo.

"They must register with us and many have said they are marching in spirit.

"Many of our pupils also hold deeply held convictions in the other direction and I met one on a staircase today who was passionately anti."

Harrow School said its 800 pupils were being allowed out with their parents, while "beaks" - the Harrow term for teachers - have also agreed to escort small groups by Tube to the event.

Other schools to have made arrangements include Radley College, near Abingdon; Tudor Hall, Banbury - where Mrs Parker Bowles was a pupil; Benenden, Kent - attended by the Princess Royal; Cheltenham Ladies' College; and Shrewsbury School in Shropshire.