Pakistani soldier says Harry 'not racist'

Published on Saturday 17 January 2009 18:32

THE Pakistani soldier at the centre of the Prince Harry race row came to the Prince's defence yesterday, claiming he is not racist.

Platoon member Ahmed Raza Khan reportedly told Harry to "forget about it" when the Prince phoned to apologise.

Harry, the third in line to the throne, was caught on film three years ago referring to Khan as "our little Paki friend".

But Khan said the Prince was his friend and that he had no hard feelings towards him in the wake of the incident. He said: "The Prince called me by a nickname which is usually very insulting but I know he didn't mean it that way.

"We were close friends when we were training and I know he is not a racist."

The two soldiers were said to have exchanged stories with each other about fighting the Taliban when Harry rang Khan to apologise.

The Ministry of Defence said the Chief of the General Staff had directed the Royal Military Police to investigate how the material had become public.

A spokeswoman said: "If that investigation reveals any other breach, that will be investigated."

She added that the Adjutant General was writing to the army to remind them of their policy on equality and diversity.

Buckingham Palace officials have said the 24-year-old Prince is "extremely sorry" for the comment and stressed that Harry had been speaking to a friend without malice.