Prime Minister brands Prince Harry's remark 'unacceptable'

Published on Monday 12 January 2009 21:14

PRINCE Harry's "Paki" comment was branded unacceptable by Gordon Brown yesterday, as the Defence Secretary, John Hutton, confirmed the young royal would be interviewed by his commanding officer.

But the Prime Minister also said he thought the prince would be given the benefit of the doubt by a public conscious of his combat service and charity work.

Mr Hutton confirmed Prince Harry would be interviewed in the next few days by his Household Cavalry commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Harry Fullerton, about the incident.

Harry was caught on film three years ago referring to Pakistani platoon member Ahmed Raza Khan as "our little Paki friend".

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

Mr Brown, asked about Harry's comments, said: "I think the sincerity of his apology cannot be doubted.

"It was a mistake, he has made the admission of that and, once he has made his apology, I think the British people are good enough to give someone who has 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."

But he added: "I think Prince Harry knows that these comments are unacceptable and I think he has made an apology."

The prince was also criticised by his own charity. WellChild, a charity dedicated to the needs of sick children and their families, of which Harry is patron, said his remarks were "unacceptable".