Army to probe Harry's 'Paki' remark

12 April 2012

Prince Harry's use of the word "Paki" about an Asian colleague is to be looked at by his commanding officer in line with "normal Army procedures", the Ministry of Defence said.

The young royal was caught on film three years ago referring to a comrade as "our little Paki friend".

An Army spokesman said: "The Army does not tolerate inappropriate behaviour in any shape or form. The Army takes all allegations of inappropriate behaviour very seriously and all substantive allegations are investigated. This specific case will be dealt with in line with normal Army procedures."

The Army will not launch a formal investigation because no complaint has been made. It is understood that the Prince's swift apology and the length of time since the offence will be taken into account and the Prince could face nothing worse than a dressing down.

But Harry has come under fire from politicians and race relations groups.

Tory Leader David Cameron said it was, "completely unacceptable" and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said the comment had caused "considerable offence".

Cabinet minister John Denham said: "This sort of language can be seen as offensive, is offensive, is gradually going out of use in our society, and he's apologised for it."

A spokeswoman for the Equality and Human Rights Commission said: "These appear to be disturbing allegations and we will be asking the MoD to see the evidence, share that evidence with us and their plans for dealing with it.

"We will then consider what further action might be necessary."

St James' Palace was quick to apologise when the footage was revealed and stressed that it was a "nickname about a very popular member of the platoon" used without malice.

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