Menu
12/01/2009
PM Slams Prince Over 'Paki' Comment
Gordon Brown has branded Prince Harry's use of the word 'Paki' as 'unacceptable'.
The young royal made the comment on a homemade video, recorded three years ago.
Footage only came to light in a newspaper report at the weekend, creating a media storm around the third-in-line to the British throne.
Prince Harry was referring to a fellow army officer when he used the offensive word.
A public apology has since been issued on behalf of the prince.
He said the comments were made without any racist malice intended.
Today the Prime Minister told GMTV: "I think Prince Harry knows these comments were unacceptable."
Mr Brown said he had no doubt about the sincerity of Harry's apology.
"I think the British people are good enough to give someone who has actually been a role model for young people and has done well fighting for our country, gone into very difficult situations with bravery, I think they will give him the benefit of the doubt," added Mr Brown.
According to reports, Prince Harry is set to face a grilling from Army bosses over the furore caused, and is expected to be called upon by his commanding officer regarding the comments soon.
Tory Leader David Cameron and Liberal Democrat Nick Clegg have also condemned the prince's use of the word.
In the footage, recorded by Harry, he can be heard behind the camera jovially introducing colleauges, as they wait to board a flight to Cyprus.
"Anyone else here ... ah, our little Paki friend ... Ahmed," Harry says as he zooms onto the face of Asian officer cadet Ahmed Raza Khan.
Mr Khan's father Muhammad Yaqoob Khan Abassi has said he found the incident "very, very hurtful".
"That word he used is a hate word and should never be used against any Pakistani," he said.
A spokesman for Clarance House said Prince Harry recognises how offensive his language towards Mr Khan was.
"However, on this occasion three years ago, Prince Harry used the term without any malice and as a nickname about a highly popular member of his platoon," the palace official said.
(PR/BMcC)
The young royal made the comment on a homemade video, recorded three years ago.
Footage only came to light in a newspaper report at the weekend, creating a media storm around the third-in-line to the British throne.
Prince Harry was referring to a fellow army officer when he used the offensive word.
A public apology has since been issued on behalf of the prince.
He said the comments were made without any racist malice intended.
Today the Prime Minister told GMTV: "I think Prince Harry knows these comments were unacceptable."
Mr Brown said he had no doubt about the sincerity of Harry's apology.
"I think the British people are good enough to give someone who has actually been a role model for young people and has done well fighting for our country, gone into very difficult situations with bravery, I think they will give him the benefit of the doubt," added Mr Brown.
According to reports, Prince Harry is set to face a grilling from Army bosses over the furore caused, and is expected to be called upon by his commanding officer regarding the comments soon.
Tory Leader David Cameron and Liberal Democrat Nick Clegg have also condemned the prince's use of the word.
In the footage, recorded by Harry, he can be heard behind the camera jovially introducing colleauges, as they wait to board a flight to Cyprus.
"Anyone else here ... ah, our little Paki friend ... Ahmed," Harry says as he zooms onto the face of Asian officer cadet Ahmed Raza Khan.
Mr Khan's father Muhammad Yaqoob Khan Abassi has said he found the incident "very, very hurtful".
"That word he used is a hate word and should never be used against any Pakistani," he said.
A spokesman for Clarance House said Prince Harry recognises how offensive his language towards Mr Khan was.
"However, on this occasion three years ago, Prince Harry used the term without any malice and as a nickname about a highly popular member of his platoon," the palace official said.
(PR/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 August 2012
The Sun Publishes Naked Prince Harry Photos
The Sun has become the first British newspaper to publish pictures of a naked Prince Harry in Las Vegas. No other UK newspaper has published the images taken in his hotel suite which shows the the prince naked cavorting with a blond woman. In an editorial The Sun claimed there was a "clear public interest" in publishing the photographs.
The Sun Publishes Naked Prince Harry Photos
The Sun has become the first British newspaper to publish pictures of a naked Prince Harry in Las Vegas. No other UK newspaper has published the images taken in his hotel suite which shows the the prince naked cavorting with a blond woman. In an editorial The Sun claimed there was a "clear public interest" in publishing the photographs.
14 February 2011
Prince Harry Best Man In Royal Wedding
Prince Harry has been announced as best man at Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding. The couple will marry at Westminster Abbey on Friday, 29 April. Kate's sister Philippa will be maid of honour. Prince William's two godchildren will also take part in the ceremony along with their four bridesmaids.
Prince Harry Best Man In Royal Wedding
Prince Harry has been announced as best man at Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding. The couple will marry at Westminster Abbey on Friday, 29 April. Kate's sister Philippa will be maid of honour. Prince William's two godchildren will also take part in the ceremony along with their four bridesmaids.
12 April 2006
Prince Harry graduates from Sandhurst
Prince Harry has graduated as an officer in the British Army from Sandhurst Academy. The 21-year-old completed his passing out ceremony in front of the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince William.
Prince Harry graduates from Sandhurst
Prince Harry has graduated as an officer in the British Army from Sandhurst Academy. The 21-year-old completed his passing out ceremony in front of the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince William.
29 February 2008
Prince Harry Withdrawn From Afghanistan
Prince Harry is to be withdrawn from Afghanistan immediately, after news of his deployment there was leaked. A statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on Friday said: "The decision by elements of the foreign media to report Prince Harry's presence in Afghanistan without any consultation with the Ministry of Defence is regrettable.
Prince Harry Withdrawn From Afghanistan
Prince Harry is to be withdrawn from Afghanistan immediately, after news of his deployment there was leaked. A statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on Friday said: "The decision by elements of the foreign media to report Prince Harry's presence in Afghanistan without any consultation with the Ministry of Defence is regrettable.
12 February 2009
Prince Harry Sent On Diversity Course, Following Gaffes
Prince Harry is being sent on an equality and diversity course after a series of race gaffes, it has emerged. The Prince has been formally disciplined for calling his Sandhurst colleague Ahmed Raza Khan "our little Paki friend" in a video which leaked to the press, and referring to another officer cadet as a "raghead".
Prince Harry Sent On Diversity Course, Following Gaffes
Prince Harry is being sent on an equality and diversity course after a series of race gaffes, it has emerged. The Prince has been formally disciplined for calling his Sandhurst colleague Ahmed Raza Khan "our little Paki friend" in a video which leaked to the press, and referring to another officer cadet as a "raghead".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
