AN EX-SOLIDER who once served with Prince Harry claimed he was throttled by a stranger and 20 witnesses did nothing to help.
James Wharton, 32, said he was “disgusted” when he had to defend himself as no one in the crowd even dialled 999.
The ex-squaddie said the stranger came after him because he looked at him “the wrong way” as he was heading in to work through the Birmingham city centre at 9am on Monday.
The man started hurling insults at Mr Wharton and while he tried to snap a picture of him to report to West Midlands Police he was attacked.
He said it is the second time he has been attacked in Birmingham after moving to the Midlands 18 months ago – and he was mugged once before in the 11 years he lived in London.
Mr Wharton was a member of the Household Calvary, Blues and Royals, and was among Britain’s first openly gay soldiers.
He also escorted the Queen to the Prince William and Kate’s wedding in 2011.
He served with Prince Harry in Canada but left the forces in 2013 and wrote a book about his experience called Out in the Army, My Life as a Gay Soldier.
