AS the ancient capital of Wessex, Winchester is no stranger to having a leading royal in residence.

That was in the ninth century when King Alfred the Great was on the throne and driving the Vikings out of England.

Today the city is once again looking at the possibility of playing host to one of the country's leading royals - Prince Harry. Speculation is rife that the third in line to the throne could choose Winchester for a spot of boot camp discipline before he starts life in the Army.

The news comes less than a week after the prince caused outrage across the world by attending a fancy dress party dressed as a Nazi.

The mishap is one of a string of bad decisions made by the 20-year-old, such as smoking cannabis and fighting with paparazzi, which have proved to be a public relations disaster for the royal family.

Now tough love may be the answer to Harry's wayward behaviour, with reports suggesting the Army-bound prince may be about to indulge in some extra discipline lessons, at the request of his father, before starting at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst in May.

Top of the list of places where Prince Harry could brush up on his drill steps is the Army Training Regiment based at the Sir John Moore barracks in Winchester.

It has not been ruled out that an Army married quarter may be converted to house Prince Harry and his security people while there.

The suggested regime the prince may be put under includes hours of drills and marching, weapons training, fitness work and, of course, learning to follow the Army's strict rules - all of which will be supervised by the toughest of military trainers, a Regimental Sergeant Major.

Even under such close scrutiny the prince may be able to take advantage of the pubs and restaurants in the city, which currently does not even have a nightclub.

University of Winchester student union boss Martin Rennison said: "For Prince Harry to go anywhere at the moment is not going to be easy for him. However, one of the biggest advantages for him in Winchester, especially at the moment, is that there's very little late night drinking in the city and lots of security in each bar, so he ought to be able to stay out of trouble.

"Overall though, you would have to say that Winchester is a lovely city with a safe environment, and that if he does comes I'm sure he would be treated well."

City MP Mark Oaten said Winchester residents would give the prince a warm welcome.

"Members of the royal family are always welcome in Winchester and if it was to happen I'm sure that everyone would want to support the prince in every way possible,'' he said.

A city council spokesman said: ''Winchester has long established links with the military and if Prince Harry was to come I'm sure he would be made very welcome and appreciate all that Winchester has to offer.''

Neither the Ministry of Defence nor Clarence House would confirm whether or not the prince would be heading for Winchester.

A Clarence House spokesman said: "Any preparations Harry might be making are very much a private matter."