Britain's Prince Harry closed a brokerage deal worth 10 billion pounds (US$15 billion), and in the process raised money for charities around the world.
Surrounded by financial workers dressed in costumes, the 24-year-old prince spent Wednesday at the electronic brokerage firm ICAP for its annual Charity Day, when staff dress up and the day's revenues and commissions are donated to aid projects in places such as Mumbai, Sydney and Bogota.
Coached by a broker wearing a St Trinian's schoolgirl outfit, Harry took to the phones and confirmed the deal with a major client. Harry celebrated his successful trade with the traditional shout of "Yours!" to cheers from ICAP employees in various get-ups including the Village People, Amy Winehouse, gospel singers and a doughnut.
John Herbert, ICAP's managing director of foreign exchange and money markets, helped guide the prince through the deal.
"I was dressed as (traditional pantomime character) Widow Twankey, so I naturally didn't have much credibility in front of him or my staff," Herbert told Reuters.
"His initial reaction upon meeting me was to look aghast at my Panto Dame outfit and say, 'that's absolutely wrong!'"
Herbert set Harry to work negotiating a complex deal called a Sterling Overnight Index Swap or "Sonia."
"We got him on the line to a client and told him what to do," explained Herbert. "He said three times, 'I'm nervous about this deal, I hope I don't mess it up.' But he was word perfect and the deal was done. Not bad for a beginner!"
ICAP gives away all revenues and commissions made on its annual charity day. In spite of poor current market conditions, ICAP said the day's trading had raised a total of around 11 million pounds (US$16 million) for charity, up from 9.2 million pounds in 2007.
The money will be donated to projects around the world, including one helping deprived children in Mumbai, and Crimestoppers, which works against crime in London.
"Prince Harry left everybody with a nice warm feeling," said Herbert. "Hopefully we won't have any problem with the Financial Services Authority doing those deals — he's not an authorized broker!"
