by Ruby Comer

Prince Leka

How long is she goin’ to stay in that loo?!” I grumble to myself as I wait in line like a squished sardine in the aisle of this British Airways Flight 54 from South Africa. Hell with this, I’ll head over to the first-class cabin. Ah, good, just one guy waiting. We begin to talk. Lo and behold, this young feller is a Prince! Leave it to Ms. Ruby to meet royalty while waiting for the loo. Afterward, he invites me to his seat. But first I grab my recorder and portable DVD.

HRH Crown Prince Leka II of Albania, twenty-two, was born in exile in South Africa. Albania’s dictatorship ended in the early nineties and the royal family was welcomed back. Prince Leka hails from a long royal bloodline; his grandmother, Queen Geraldine, was half-Hungarian and half-American. He possesses a strong interest in world history, politics, and philosophy. Besides martial arts, the Prince enjoys volleyball, horseback riding, and particularly loves hiking in the mountainous regions of Albania, commonly referred to as the “Land of the Eagles.” He speaks four languages: English, Albanian, French, and Zulu. For the past several years, Prince Leka has devoted himself to working with various youth organizations and NGOs.

Since the Prince is en route to a military academy in England, and I’m lecturing at Cambridge and Oxford, we watch some British entertainment: The Cambridge Spies (a fact-based BBC thriller) and Another Country (starring a young, sexy Rupert Everett). Leka is friendly and down-to-earth (even at 35,000 feet), and, by the time we land, we establish a warm rapport. He reminds me so much of my younger brother, who I lost to AIDS.

Ruby Comer: Leka, tell me when you first heard about HIV.

Prince Leka: Whilst living in South Africa through the media, and government awareness programs.

What has your involvement been with the epidemic?

My mother [Prince Leka’s mother—Queen Susan—died in July of this year] and I kept in close contact with the medical community about HIV, and we spoke to the youth about prevention. We want to find a solution. Sadly, there are no programs or benefits for the awareness of AIDS in my country. Although I believe recently that the United Nations has introduced a program.

Thank heaven. Were you taught HIV prevention in school?

I was given the opportunity to learn about this formidable disease at school in South Africa. Unfortunately, in Albania no effort whatsoever has been put forward to prevent this disease. Even in the hospitals, there have been cases where patients have been refused help by medical personnel because of a lack of knowledge about AIDS, and the unfounded fear of catching the virus. This, and the fact that the medical facilities are not adequate, leaves us in a very worrisome situation.

Good golly, Miss Molly, yes. It sounds as though we all need to pitch in and assist Albania because, not so many years ago, the U.S. was, and is, in the same position. Do you know anyone who has died from AIDS?

Unfortunately, a former member of our staff, who worked in Albania for a period, died in South Africa with family and a few friends.

How do you deal with loss?

Loss is terrible. I have always had my family [for support] and together we have faced many problems.

You’re hardly out of your teens, an age group that is increasingly hard-hit by HIV. What is your advice to your peers about HIV/AIDS prevention?

The best prevention is abstention, but if you do engage in sexual activity, use protection. I believe I am quite modern, but I keep those old values in order to make the right decision. Also, be aware! Know the enemy.

Any other thoughts about the pandemic?

Although AIDS isn’t yet a major problem in Albania, itis related to other social problems we have, such as drug use, prostitution,the slave trade, and rape. We need to combat these before it’s too late.    

Anything you don’t like about being a royal?

I don’t like publicity. It is useful, though, as a platform to help those who are suffering in my country. Like doing this interview with you, Ruby. With the title of Prince comes responsibility and duty; to work for the needs of one’s people and nation.

Sounds like you’ve got your work cut out for you. What is your goal in life?

My goal in life is the building of the Albanian nation, so that one day we will be asked to join the larger European family.  

Name one word to describe yourself.

Dedicated.

Leka’s Loves

Movie: The Matrix

TV: Friends, Star Trek

Actor: Jim Belushi, Keanu Reeves

Actress: Meg Ryan, Sandra Bullock

Singer: Mariza Ikonomi, Soni (Albanian singers), Britney Spears

Group: Nickelback

Ruby Comer is an independent journalist from the Midwest who is happy to call Hollywood her home away from home. Reach her by e-mail at MsRubyComer@aol.com.

November 2004