Prince Harry under fire for racist jibe at fellow soldier

Published on Sunday 11 January 2009 21:22

PRINCE Harry faced a barrage of criticism yesterday after video footage emerged of him using the term "Paki" about an army colleague.

He was forced to apologise after he was shown referring to an Asian member of his platoon as "our little Paki friend".

In the footage, filmed three years ago while he was a cadet at Sandhurst Military College, the prince is heard calling another officer cadet a "f****** raghead".

Politicians, race relations campaigners and Muslim leaders led criticism of the prince.

Despite earlier ruling out an inquiry, the Ministry of Defence said last night it would investigate Harry's remarks. A spokesman said his use of the word "Paki" would be looked at by his commanding officer in line with "normal army procedures".

The video shows Harry heading off on manoeuvres while an officer cadet at Sandhurst. The "Paki" remark comes as he joins other cadets gathering at an airport for a flight to Cyprus.

As he films one cadet lying on the departure lounge floor, he says, "How to admin yourself while waiting for the RAF to square you away". The camera then pans over other snoozing soldiers, with Harry saying "now that is bad admin, bad admin", before zooming in on the face of an Asian cadet. "Ah, our little Paki friend… Ahmed," he says.

Although the MoD has refused to confirm his identity, Ahmed is widely thought to be Ahmed Raza Khan, a Pakistani who won the award for the best overseas cadet at Sandhurst.

Mr Khan's uncle said, Iftakhar Raja, said: "At no time he told us that he was called Paki.

"I myself am a British subject. I am proud to be British and if someone called me Pakistani, I would be proud to be called that, but Paki is definitely a derogatory remark."

Mohammed Shafiq, director of Muslim youth organisation the Ramadan Foundation, said: "I am deeply shocked and saddened at Prince Harry's racism, which upsets and offends many British Asians."

David Cameron, the Tory leader, said the term "Paki" was "completely unacceptable", adding: "I think that it is important in the great institutions, whether it is the army or political parties, we to root out (such] attitudes."

Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader, said the remark had caused "considerable offence".

A statement from St James Palace said: "Prince Harry fully understands how offensive this term can be and is extremely sorry for any offence his words might cause.

"He used the term without any malice and as a nickname about a highly popular member of his platoon. There is no question that Prince Harry was in any way seeking to insult his friend."

Three years ago, the prince, who is third in line to the throne, had to apologise after wearing a swastika armband to a party.