Prince Harry apologizes over racist remarks

Britain's Prince Harry issued a public apology Saturday after a British newspaper published video on its Web site of him using offensive and racist language.

The News of The World reported that Harry, third in line to the British throne, used offensive terms to refer to people from Pakistan and people of Arab descent.

Harry, who is an army lieutenant in the Household Cavalry's Blues and Royals, is purported to have made the remarks in 2006 in an airport departure lounge as soldiers waited to travel to Cyprus for training exercises.

The newspaper said in a statement that in the video, Harry referred to one colleague as "our little paki friend" — using a derogatory term for people of Pakistani origin.

It reported that he called another cadet — who was wearing a headscarf — a "raghead." The newspaper said that the video was filmed by other cadets and supplied to the newspaper.

St. James's Palace — the office of Harry and his elder brother Prince William — said on Saturday that Harry was sorry for any offense caused by his use of the word "paki."

"Prince Harry fully understands how offensive this term can be, and is extremely sorry for any offense his words might cause," spokesman Patrick Harrison said in a statement.

"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. There is no question that Prince Harry was in any way seeking to insult his friend."

Harrison said that Harry had used the other offensive term to refer to either the Taliban or Iraqi insurgents.

"Neither the army nor the armed forces tolerates inappropriate behavior in any shape or form," Britain's defense ministry said in a statement Saturday. "The Army takes all allegations of inappropriate behavior very seriously and all substantive allegations are investigated."


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The ministry said no complaint had been raised against Harry over his comments. "We are not aware of any complaint having been made by the individual," the ministry's statement said.

Last year, Harry served with the British Army in Afghanistan for 10 weeks. He was withdrawn from the combat zone after his deployment, a closely guarded secret, became public.

Harry has previously acknowledged drinking underage and smoking marijuana. In January 2005, he apologized after being pictured in a newspaper at a costume party dressed as a Nazi, complete with a swastika armband.

reply to post by the_black_project


sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me. I am of Chinese Origin, Call me Chinky, Call me winky, call me slit eyes I do not give a dam I get Bloody angry if you call me late for drinks and dinner.
To thoese who are easily offended. Wake up get a life and start to pay taxes and contribute to societys coffers. Stop whining, whinging, stop blaming other for your lazyness. Stop blaming USA. Look in the mirror and be a MAN for once. Left winner whinners.

FREEDOM OF SPEACH SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED. WHites have becoime minority in their own country. So phathetic. Thoese who do not fight ofr liberty or free speach do not deserve nither.

Teoh

So "Paki" is wrong?

How about "Brit"? "Aussie"? "Kiwi"? I'm willing to bet "Canuck" is off the table, too? Can I piss and moan next time I'm called a "Yank"?

And can I order this PC codebook on Amazon?

This happened three years ago. Sounds like sour grapes from someone that didn't like Harry. The guy he called "Paki" told Harry to forget about it when he called to apologise.

That'll go over well, especially in 20 years when Harry's the King and the jackass who pushed for the reprimand never makes it to flag rank.

They'll have a good laugh over that one at some palace function;

60 year old 2nd Lt.: "Your majesty, remember when I made that little joke about reprimanding you over that silly paki thing. You think I could get promoted someday?"
King Harry: "Dismissed."