Harry shrugs off concern about 'kissing disease'

Prince Harry has been making light of speculation about his health.

He insisted he's well enough to ski although he has glandular fever.

He's been joined by Prince William and the Prince of Wales in the Swiss resort of Klosters for the start of their holiday.

The 17-year-old shrugged off questions about the infection which comes from a virus transferred by saliva or mucus, giving it the reputation as a "kissing disease".

Asked how he was feeling, Harry replied: "Fine, thank you."

Wearing a black snowboarding jacket and cream trousers, he was asked if he would be restricted by his infection, and said: "No, not really - take it easy."

Asked again how he was feeling, he replied: "Not as bad as I've been told."

William, who flew to Switzerland last night after finishing lectures at St Andrews University, said he was finding student life "very good fun".

The Klosters holiday is the first in two years after last year's was cancelled because Charles felt it inappropriate to leave the country during the foot-and-mouth epidemic.