Princes ditch cousin's birthday to party

OXFORDSHIRE, England, July 23 (UPI) -- Britain's Prince William and Prince Harry reportedly missed a cousin's extravagant 18th birthday celebration to party with the son of a jailed mercenary.

The Mail on Sunday said Princess Beatrice's celebrations included a themed ball at Windsor Castle. However, William and Harry are said to have spent the evening partying with friends at the Oxfordshire home of Jack Mann, the son of Simon Mann, an ex-SAS officer. Simon Mann is currently serving seven years in a Zimbabwean prison for his role in leading an attempted coup in Equatorial Guinea. Sir Mark Thatcher also was accused in the coup attempt, but escaped being jailed after paying a fine.

William and Harry were having a great time at Mann's home, the report said.

Meanwhile, Beatrice's formal party, which was hosted by her divorced parents, the Duke and Duchess of York, was attended by recognizable guests including Elle Macpherson, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne and Peaches Geldof.