The whole PC brigade remind me of Orwell's 1984 and the introduction of 'Newspeak'. Next stop, Language Police, and we will all be held accountable for using words not officially sanctioned by these well meaning but totally misguided meddlers.

Ron, Milton Keynes, UK

Victoria Beckham proves in these photos that she is the sexiest woman on the planet.

Kelly, Brighton, UK

I'm an Aussie, and this is the kind of nonsense that leads to lasting unnecessary conflict. Most Australians aged 50 or older were educated with the shame and brutality of our 'criminal' beginnings overshadowing our history lessons. We have outgrown that garbage and so should they.

Karen, Adelaide, Australia

I have heard many times Indian guys (british born) calling Pakistanis "Pakis"

Many time black people calling each other N word

so what do you think about that?

h lim, kent,

Anyone from immigrant stock in the u.k has to deal with this,from an irish background its paddy,micky,taig etc and the germans are still called kraut and hun in some tabloids,im sick and tired of asians and their victim culture,get over it.

ed, sandringham, australia

"Call someone a Paki...", to his face? Yes, perhaps that would be rude and the recipient would rightly by offended. But to do so to a third party in an obviously endearing manner, as did Prince Harry, cannot, in my view, in any way be construde as offensive.

Edward O'Brien, Dursley, England

Paki is as offensive as nigger.

If paki is such an acceptable word in the UK, let's see you all going back to work and saying to a black person and to an asian person "hey nigger, hey paki, let's go to lunch".

Would you? No. And not because it wouldn't be PC, but because it's plain offensive.

Joe, London, uk

You tend not to see Australians crying when labelled 'Aussies'. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder in the same way that this insufferable indignation is in the eye of the beholder. Can everyone realise we do not live in an utopia.

Martin, Manchester, UK

Taking huge offence 'preserves' & bolsters the word's power. If people shrug & say 'Yeh?', or argue openly against prejudice, wouldn't its power diminish? There's no need to be so scared of words. We shouldn't think suppressing certain words fights racism. Open argument can though.

cath, london, uk

I agree with SSmedley (suffolk). It is so difficult (sometimes) to have the "real feeling" of the chap who is listening the word that we finally use the more 'polite' word we find. Of course it is different to be talking with my friends in a pub than broadcasting my words by radio/web.

luis, gonnet, argentina

Friend or foe!!! We have been bombarded by a play on words over the past week initiated by a comment by a leading figure.It does come down to two extremes that of taunt or endearment .A patriot is a patriot a friend is a friend and the enemy is the enemy in the human race we are all equal!!!!

Ralph, Macclesfield, England

being a woman, I think they are tasteful pictures. And she is a very beautiful woman.

Sheila, Northglenn, USA

Actually, Peter from Cambridge, by that logic someone from Pakistan would be a "Pak" - someone from Khazakistan, as you say, is a Khazak, not a Khazaki, and someone from Uzbekistan is an Uzbek, not an Uzbeki. So it would be "Pak". And I've never heard that - it's always "a Pakistani".

Liam, Stoke, UK

Gay once ment happy, the meaning of words change with the times. It is only people hanging on to past hatred that causes problems in todays world. Harry ment no offence it has all been blown out of proportion.

Babs, Lincoln,

I agree that context is everything but, surely the term is technically correct? A person from Khazakstan is a Khazak. Someone from Afghanistant is an Afgan. Someone from Uzbekistan is an Uzbek. "Stan" means land. So actually someone from Pakistan is surely a Paki?

Peter, Cambridge, UK

For me, it is always the undertone which pervades a word/phrase's use. It's unfortunate, however, that the word paki does carry with it some historical, prejudicial baggage. When is a particular word offensive/racist/xenophobic? When the person using it or conversely, being addressed wants it to be.

David, London,

The argument is completely illogical.

If history and past bad context made it offensive then, why doesn't present history (made right now), and present good friendly context make it harmless?

The truth is, people want it to be offensive. No rational thought will change their victim-obsessed lives.

Laura Roberts, London, United Kingdom

I am a Pommie in a foreign country and I am not offended. It appears to me that the Asian members in British society are unduly hypersensitive and umbrage prone and always on the lookout for a perceived slight with which to take issue. They would be far more respected if they laughed it off.

john, Hobart, Tasmania

One problem I have is the fact that we are no longer able to decide what words are appropriate to use. Some one, somewhere, has decided "no one can say this any more". We have no personal choice at all, everything we say is governed by groups of people who don't want people saying certain things.

Daniel, Aberdeen, UK

She looks gorgeous as always!

Maria, Johannesburg, South Africa

Mr Armani, that photo generates as much excitement in me as if you'd put a broom in a dark cupboard, bent the handle to make it look a bit curved, pulled the blinds a bit, and you strapped two satellite dishes to the front.

Tom Franklin, London, UK

I wonder what terms some Asian members of British society would care to leave out of their everyday speech when they talk about the English. Are some of these offensive? Not half.

Jake, Leicester,

Surely she's been "photoshopped" like every others, but still she looks great.

Nanou, Bordeaux, France

Storm in a teacup, let it rest, I have no doubt that Prince Harry implied no insult whatsoever, after all, this was three years ago, had there been any hint of unpleasantness it would have been dealt with at the time.
English people are insulted daily by our own Government! get over it!

Clive Burghard , Lancing, England

And she really needs the money !!

am, letchworth,

Most Brits spend more time worrying than doing.

Our country and people are going down the pan and all many can do is hide behind their front door with the TV on, afraid of opening their mouths for fear of being called 'racist'.

Pull yourselves together - no wonder we're being walked all over.

Phil, Shropshire, England

So all along, girl power was about posing in underwear for the specific purpose of promoting a male businessman's lingerie.

Nimrod, WSM,

VB is fabulous!

Jane K, London,

Accusing others of arrogance or stupidity shows intolerance.
Prince Harry has a proven track record of openess.His wrds must be judged based on that .
I appreciate 'minorities'suffer abuse but taking offence 100 of the time is perhaps not helping their cause as ' nice' people get slammed .

robert, london, UK

Commemnts from some people are really strange. They need to realise that their country willing accepted people from foreign origins when manpower was needed. If British people think like that about people from foreign origins then they should not lecture the world about human rights.

Abbas, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

These pictures of Victoria Beckham are excellent, she looks very comfortable in the poses and the make-up artistry and styling is first class.

Sophie , London, UK

Hhmmm. Interesting marketing approach: you can barely see the lingerie, the model is not recognisable as Victoria Beckham and the abundance of shadow and shade mean that any flaw or blemish is masked in darkness. Why not just use an unknown and save the money?

Jane Louise, Melbourne , Australia

Beliefs on immigration being out of control, which i agree with, should not be channelled towards the individuals taking advantage of our policy. Many immigrants contribute positively to our country, unfortunately there are also many who don't. But the same could be said of 'true' british people.

matt, coventry, england

And what word do people from the Indian sub continent , use to describe white people . I have lived in Hong Kong ,Thailand, Dubai, and the locals all have names they call a whiteperson.
Here in Oz we brits also have a nick name.

Sean Chappell, Melbourne , Australia

I am Asian and grew up in the UK in the 70's. The word brings back painful memories of physical and verbal abuse by racist skinhead thugs.

I applaud the British press for highlighting Prince Harry's apparent ignorance.

Nilesh, Vancouver, Canada

Nilesh, Vancouver, Canada

I am sure Victoria's presence would generate even more great excitement if she turned out for .A.C. Milan in her new outfit.

Alan Crump, Los Angeles, USA

Now thats what i call a very clever commercial package of hipe, whom started out from the same origins of a man made commercial girl pop group in the 90's. Who tried to sell us girl power without the substance! We live in hyper times were hype is everything ,and real is nothing anymore!

Mary, Cheshire , United Kingdom

Methinks all this article shows is what an unmitigated disaster immigration has been to this country.

Yet again, we have people of foreign origins, telling us English what we can say, think and do. In our own country, at that.

Being born in a stable does not make you a horse.

N Wilson, Bourne, UK

Context is important, I note the word "friend". It is not as if he is pointing out that Pakistan is aiding and abetting the Taliban and extremist Islamist or indeed is involved with murders in India. Bangladesh was part part of Pakistan, so you can see how people would associate them together.

MattS, London, England

I am asain and I do not believe this word is as offensive as people are making it to be. If the word paddy is fine, then paki should be fine. The irish have had just as much racism as the asians in the 60's and 70's.

If prince Harry used the n word then I can understand the hurt it would cause.

Mr Joshi, Coventry, UK

Language is evolving and eclectic. Words can mean different things in different subgroups and contexts. I think more thought should be understood of the context. The attitude, understandings & dynamic of the subgroup and individuals in it is probably of most importance.
We do like acronyms.

sm, London, UK

I totally agree with this article. I am originally from Pakistan, and I would be offended if someone used it to address me or any other Pakistani, or Asian for that matter. The history behind the term is enough for it to be offensive, therefore is not the same as 'Brit' or 'Aussie'.

Faizaan, Altrincham , UK

Have a word with yourself mate, there is probably no country in the world that accepts mixed races better than England. I dont see you speaking out about the Asian on white crime that goes on in certain parts of Oldham, Rochdale, Bury, Bolton , Burnley, Nelson and many other small Lancashire towns.

Pete, Bolton, UK

Oh come one! It's a name. It is exactly the same as Brit, It's just more commonly associated with a negative context. The more crying that is done over this the more of an issue it becomes. If the word becomes commonplace in a friendly context all the taboo and racist connotations will fall away.

Liam, Manchester, England

Will one of The Times learned commentators explain in their column why it is perfectly acceptable for the English (in particular males) to be the victims of negative stereotyping on film/TV. Why does nobody say anything when it happens? Are we to be forever blamed for the sins of the British Empire?

Martin, Birmingham, West Midlands

Surely it's the context that the word is being used in that makes it offensive or not, not the word itself.

James Smith, London, UK

The parents of my Hindi friends use that word and worse all the time. So does my French girlfriend. In Japan they refer to foreigners as "gaijn" which is equivalent. It seems that the UK has spawned an unreasonably sensitive protocol for these things. We are being laughed at around the world.

Ed, London, UK

Lighten up please, there are far more important things happening in the world. Im Eglish/Greek, called all kinds of things, I learnt not to take it so seriously.

A baron, athens, Greece

It is not a term of endearment that's for sure. This is a storm in a tea cup and has only served to exacerbate whatever offence Harry's original comment may have caused two years ago. Suck it up and let's move on.

Colin Suter, McLean, Va,

This whole hysterical faux-sensitivty, race card playing, wound licking nonsense needs to end. I personally find it offensive and racist against British people, that some would come here for a better life, only to ungreatfully turn around, & insult our monarchy by calling them "idiots" and "thugs".

Tole, Newcastle, UK

Serbian people do not get up tight with Serb, nor Croatian with Croat, nor Polish with Pole, nor Finnish with Finn, nor Swedish with Swede, nor Turkish with Turk, nor Scottish with Scot, and dozens of other diminutives, so lighten up friend, life is too short to take yourself and so seriously....

Hakim Kutta, Santa Cruz, CA, USA

Would there have been an uproar if Harry had said
"My little Pakistani friend" Paki or Pakistani or any other label can be used derogotary,depending on context.This is about context. Also what is a British Born Pakistani ? They are like many people today and claiming long lost ethnic roots.WHY?

Andy, Devarkonda, India

There are far to many people saying what we can and can't say and do. Live your own life, dont worry about others. Blown out of all proportion, ridiculous.

Jim Anderson, Ripon, UK

Seem that because he is a prince, everything Harry says has the potential for news. Not saying he was right, but I ask all the commenters here if they have, at one time or another, used a derogatory term in referring to someone, so lighten up, he said he was sorry too.

Carol W, Phoenix, USA

I think its about time we separated race from religion in this country. Attacking or demeaning someone for any physical characteristics is obscene in my opinion.
Religions represent a superior claim on human identity backed by imaginary beings. If an idea is wrong we must be allowed to say so.

Michael, London, UK

Would it be acceptable for us all to refer to the so-called 'english' as saxons from now on or will that be deemed offensive; after all saxons they are. - o'r french norman. The labouring classesare saxons whilst the more Conservative types are French norman. Scotts, Irish and WElsh are proud to be

J A Owen, Anglesey, Wales

It is an awful word but look how ginga is used and here in Australia ranga (orangatan) is used on radio shows to make fun of redheads. People are cruel and thoughtless and unfortunately there will always be people who are like that.

catherine hodgson, newcastle, australia

I find the word 'Brit' to be offensive as it is so often used in a prejorative sense, eg by Irish people who are hostile to Britain. I am not a 'Brit', I am a Briton and I am British.

Paul, Coventry,

I being a british born pakistani i believe that the whole situation has been blown out of proportion, yet i do believe that it should be blown out of proportion. The media for once is giving the right message that racism will not be tolerated whether your an average person or from the royal family.

KiZ, sheffield, south yourkshire

"If you think that it's all right to call someone a Paki you're ignorant or stupid."
Judging by a lot of remarks a lot of English people are both ignorant AND stupid. I feel disgust and contempt for my fellow countrymen all too often.
People need to find empathy for other human beings.

Gareth, Tokyo,

Specious special pleading. Ever heard the wise sing-song advice about "sticks and stones"?

Mandy, New York, USA

Murad, you consider "raghead" to be ok, Sikhs to whom turbans are a source of pride consider it to be extremely offensive as would arabs i suspect. This is a perfect example of how you choose to be offended by that which suits you. It doesnt necessarily make you racist just in need of education.

Yadi, London,

Yes, the tabloids are being typically moronic and self-serving but, as a Brit who got called this in the 70's, I still find the word offensive. Those who can't grasp the difference between 'Paki', 'Taffy, 'Brit', 'Yid' or 'ginger' or the meaning of 'context' or 'history' should maybe ask a grown-up

Ravi, London, UK

Come on- This incident has been blown out of all proportion . This is the Army where soldiers are often referred to as Jock, Taffy and Paddy and no one takes offence. I'm sure the officer referred to ( who did not complain) had been called and called colleagues worse in training

Bob Bonthrone, Dollar, Scotland

Typical media overblown hype. However, they do it so well as it gets all the health and safety freaks (no conkers without safety goggles kids), the human rights activists, and the sort of people that are going to ruin this country up in arms at the outrage of his comments. Seriously get over it...

Ollie, Guildford,

"some South Asians call each other 'paki'". - This is an absolute lie. No Indian would like to be called even a 'Pakistani' let alone 'paki'.

Shaan, Chennai, India

"A wise Grandparent"? Surely you must know who Harry's grandparents are!!!!!

Robert, Tokyo, japan

The author of this piece needs to get over himself. In the vast majority of the world, Pakistanis are known as Paks or Pakis, it is a common abbreviation. Any overtones are caused by those who would seek to create and perpetuate an issue where one simply doesn't exist. "History" doesn't come into it

Alastair, Alicante, Spain

There's little doubt that the term Paki is generally derogatory. And in a free society you will occasionally run into offensive language. However Britain doesn't have the monopoly on 'bitter racial' histories and its race relations are progressive when compared to many other countries worldwide.

Vince, Cortona, Italy

The noise about this demonstrates we live in a socialist police state to anyone with the wit to understand.

Adam, London, UK

Hmmm...

From a distance, this looks and sounds like much to do about nothing.
Brit, Yank, Paki, are just words; and, there are other words and terms that would be much more racist and unwelcome.
People need to quit trying to pick a speck of fly dung out of a shake of ground black pepper.

Dakota, Lake Stevens, Washington, USA

The point is people find the word hurtful, so don't use it. I bet posters shouting 'too PC!' or ' be more thick skinned' have something they find hurtful. Something, being overweight, a lisp, skin colour, others think they should relax about, but comments on such subjects cause them hurt.

Alec, London,

Seemed smart at the time to create the name from Punjabi + Afghani + Kashmiri + Sindhi + Balochistani. Not so smart to start with a plosive sound, lending itself to being pronounced with some venom. Can't go wrong starting with an X or Z, followed by a long vowel. You wouldn't mess with a Zarco...

AJ Kern, Soton, Hants

I am English from a Sri Lankan background and have served in Para Reg. There needs to be a distinction between banter and abuse. The P word is more associated with the latter than the former and is offensive to Asians, no matter what the intent was. I suspect that Harry is not racist, just crass.

H, London,

The use of the word is wrong. But Harry was very young, and fighting abroad for this country(whether you agree with the war or not). He is also well known for the amount of time he spends at charity events and helping the less fortunate. Committing lots of time. He has apologised publicy, let it go.

Ryan, Leicester,

The logic of those who claim this is offensive is laughable.

They say Paki is offensive because of the way it's been used in the past. So use, intention, context gives it's racist, or non-racist value.

Why do they ignore the use, intention and context of Prince Harry then? Why one-sided context?

Laura Roberts, London, UK

Sensitivity to being called a particular name is extremely childish. Now, having a group of people threatening to wipe you off the face of the earth; that should get you immediate attention!

LakewoodBob, Jacksonville, USA

Let’s not overlook the bad time in British history experienced by many Asians & try justify the term by comparison with others. It reflects H’s insular upbringing/lack of sensitivity. In his position H should widen his social circle to reflect Britain 2day. Maybe he will then not make further errors

NKT, London, UK

we've already got a word for "british-born pakistani", though: er.... british.

jem, london, uk

Every insulting name or derivative has its own degree of insult. Americans are confident enough of 'Yank' to name a film,"A Yank at Oxford". The Chinese would be at their throats if they had called a film, "A Chink at Cambridge." Paki is as paka insulting to a Pakistani as Chink is to a Chinese.

San Ying, Montreal, Canada

People need to lighten up and grow tougher skin. Ever hear the phrase "sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me." People are so offended at everything today it is laughable. If you are going to be upset with a name calling, then you will lead a very limited life.

Jim, London,

I don't think Prince Harry's friend took being called "my little Paki friend" as being offensive. If I walked down the high street or any street in the UK and shouted out "you Paki" at anyone I thought was from the Indian sub-continent, then yes you would be right to condemn such language.

Dave, Durban, South Africa

Chances are, if you are a BRITISH BORN PAKISTANI you are more likely to be offended by the use of the word 'Paki' because of the historical context than a Pakistani born and bred in Pakistan-using Paki/Pakiland is common.
Also, we should hear from the Pakistani officer in question not his father!

RK, Karachi,

This is not whining or joking. I am from the Indian subcontinent and am routinely told "go home, paki" and the nauseous feeling experienced at hearing that is not very pleasant. The word is underlined with racist connotations and is bound to be misused.

Anuradha, Dublin, Ireland

Thank you Mr Ahmed. Too many people on the internet have refused to see why the word could be offensive in this debate. I don't think he was being racist, but the word is wrong when used in a racist context.

Mary, London,

the word was created in the same vein that the N word was, as was the S word for hispanics. there is no need to even contemplate toying with the ludicrous idea by some people that this P word is just the same 'short form' as describing someone from pakistan. what nonsense.

deni, london, ukl

personally I find the word deeply offensive and would never use it or expect anyone under the age of perhaps about 60 to use it. However older people simply used it as an abbreviation, with no particular offence meant.
I understand from an Irish friend that "Brit" is meant to be pretty derogatory!

HW, London, UK

I'm white british male, I found the term offensive & can't abide all the media using the same term with reckless abandonment on a slow news day. We already know that the Royal Family make misjudged comments, but this simply highlights lack of parenting & institutionalised racism in the monarchy & UK

Mike Thomas, London,

In Australia, 'Asian' means people from China, Vietnam, Thailand etc...

Simon, Sydney, Australia

Does this mean that we shouldnt call some from Afghanistan an Afghan or abbreviate caalling anyone from another 'stan" country by the first few letters in the countries name? Can we call Thais Thais anymore? Surely the only offence that could be taken was if an insulting word was in the sentence.

Chris, Adelaide, Australia

The really frightening thing about this whole shameful episode is the number of people commenting who claim that they cannot see where the offence lies. I am a white and British and not "P.C.", but cannot concieve of any situation where this would not be deemed to be deeply offensive.

angus, bristol, uk

Royal princes are schooled expensively but not properly. When they start going to state schools not elite schools then they will soon learn that Paki is a term used to insult and it has been an insult for as long as I can remember.
At least the horrible word wog has disappeared.

Dave, Slough,

This sad country is going to suffocate from political correctness.

Chris, London,

what i find ironic is that the tabloid that enlightened us on what Harry said 3 yrs ago, is the same one giving away Life on Mars DVDs where each one is full of sexist ,racist, & homphobic diatribes. As a Gay man I know words can hurt,but the Tabloids & journos taking a moral stand?. do me favour!

Barry, London, UK

James, you forget that the indigenous population is not allowed to use the word "English" on official forms. You can be Scottish, Irish, Welsh or ... British.

Jan, Sussex,

Jan, don't know where you get that from, but it's completely and utterly incorrect.

Daniel i, London, UK

I grew up in 70s having to endure being called Paki. It was hurtful when spat out, but this..? Harry was not being racist. Do we expect our armed forces to mince around like civil servants in the local council? It's about context. And for minorities to say "gora" is not racist - it just means "white

PB, London, UK

So it's ok for you to call your friend 'infidel', that's just banter, but you've decided Harry's comments were offensive. Are you the sole judge in this regard? Infidel has pretty offensive connotations too.

Perhaps Asians should also stop using 'paki', rather than insisting only 'whites' stop.

Ryan, London,

In Ireland, Murad, the use of the word "Brit" is often extremely loaded!
I have to say, John and Mike, the way Harry used the word "Paki" does not seem like a chummy, we're all mates together way - he was using it to exclude and patronise..."our little Paki friend."

Oonagh, Hong Kong,

It is surprising that most respondents have decided to take on board some aspect of this article and not the rest of it. For me, the operative words here are history and context; history with regards to racism in th Britain and context regarding the derogatory and dehumanising use of the word.

Oseinoma Okpeku, Cardiff, United Kingdom

Get over it - deal with it. I'm not sure what the ethnic term of abuse is for me - an anglo, I know the welsh name me "Eric" and I find it has not cost me one moment of sleep.

In a dug out, under fire, Harry would fight like hell to defend his "paki mate" and visa versa, nick names are respectful.

Tom Taylor-Duxbury, Ludlow, UK

What a nonsense article. Pakistani youths refer to each other as ''Paki's'' all the time.

They did at my 50% mixed English/Pakistani school years ago and still do now. They even use the term as names for their inner city gangs.

Once again the media seek to turn our eyes away from what's going on.

Phil, Shropshire, England

History is the key. In Spain they use to the word "Paki" to mean the open-all-hours convenience stores run by Asians. There is no racist baggage towards Pakistanis, so the term is affectionate if anything - just an obvious abbreviation.

But I have told my Spanish wife not to use the term here.

joseph, London,

What this article seems to demonstrate is that the only people who can make racist comments are white English people, the rest of the world are just using banter, when referring to us a Brit, or calling each other names. This inference, in itself, is racially offensive.

David Leslie, Perth, Scotland

I thought "Pak" meant "pure" (Pakistan = Land of the Pure), and so amongst south Asian muslims at least it should not be a term of abuse.

Andy, Newcastle , UK

Oh dear. As an Aussie I have missed my opportunity to be so offended. Maybe my Kiwi friends (New Zealanders) should join me in a belated response. Then again I really don't feel offended at all.

John , Sydney , Australia

Mike, I do not know how you came to your conclusion that the term is "commonplace within society at all levels", how ever could you possibly know that. It's use is unacceptable. If Prince Harry's close relationship can break down these social barriers all the best to them; but that is not the issue.

Daniel, Swansea, United Kingdom

The best way to stop all this is to refer to all immigrates and their children born in England is as follows: English.

Surely it's time that Pakistanis reclaimed the word Paki and turned it into a word like Brit (which started out as an insult as well).

Rose Harper, Bristol,

I agree that the term 'paki' is offensive and he deserves punishment from the Army.
I also look forward to the day when someone prominant in the Asian community condemns the use of the terms, kuffar, gorah or a gandah gorah ( unbeliever, white man and dirty white man). That would be progress.

Tom Green, Falkirk,

Well said Alex from Australia..."Limiting, how do we encourage change if we fear words. the word gay has changed over time." A very fresh and positive way of putting it, I have American friends that call me limey and Ozzie ones that call me pomm, get over it, it makes you stronger!

Paul, Horsham,

Why has it taken 3 yrs for anyone to be offended? If this was so upsetting why was action not taken by the offended parties at the time?

Andy, Correze, France

I'm a white Brit aged 64, and the P word is offensive to me. Understanding the historical context makes it unacceptable and I'm more than happy to stand up and be counted for my view. Racism should be unacceptable to everyone, not just the victims.

Alex. Birmingham

Alex Lipton, West Bromwich, UK

I'm irish being called a paddy ! doesn't bother me water off a ducks back Scots are jocks welsh are taffy
all aquired through banter and humour so stop pandering to the pc brigade let harry do his army stint
without this namby pamby nonsense

g murphy, haydock, uk gb

A person from Pakistan is called a Pakistani
NOT Paki!

sherien desai, Johannesburg, South Africa

If a large body of a culture finds a term offensive surely we should stop using it? Not many people aregoing to want to fight for the right to say 'Paki' are they? The opportunity cost of removing it from our conversation is tiny so lets just do it.

Robert McLaughlin, London, UK

Paki is used all the time and perfectly acceptable in Australia (when referring to Pakistanis). The more the word is used, the less meaning will be attached to it just like Paddy and Jock are harmless, despite the history. Get over it.

Larry, Amsterdam, NL

Why is it that racial remarks are on one way street. Is it that Black and Asians don't racially insult us native whites, or is it that the race industry do not want to admit it we can also be insulted. Why is it that no Black or Asian has been taken to court over racial insults?

Anthony J, Tredegar, Wales

I still don't quite understand why referring to a Pakistani as Paki for short is offensive; I understand if using the word when referring to someone who is not Pakistani. I find the word 'insurgent' (the explanation given by the Palace for the use of 'raghead') a lot more offensive and dangerous.

joel, London,

The British armed forces haved used terms of slang such as taff (welsh) jock (scots) paddy (irish) for years upon years. For people to get upset about a Parkisani being called a Paki !!!
What would you sugest they be called ?

David Vickers, Axminster, Devon

Personally I see no offence in the use of the word 'Paki' UNLESS there is obvious intention to offend. In the case of Prince Harry, it is obvious that he is basically ignorant anda misfit in society; princely, he, his brother and some uncles are obviously not. I am at 73, more understanding. Wise??

bryan weston, Tamworth, Staffs

It's nonsense like this article that breeds racism. One of my Pakistani neighbours is a car dealer and a couple of years back, enquiried about an Asian girl friend of mine and the car that she was driving. He asked if she was, "one if us, a Paki".

BJ, London, England

Often it is the way you say a word that means whether is is derogatory or not, not the word itself...Prince Harry in the clip said it in a friendly manner and the officer concerned did not even react adversely to it.
And pray -what do you call a person hailing from Pakistan?

Vrinda Raje, London, UK

James, you forget that the indigenous population is not allowed to use the word "English" on official forms. You can be Scottish, Irish, Welsh or ... British.

Jan, Sussex,

"The tabloids capture this mood across the country. That, at least, is progress. "

Is it? The sole reason the tabloids are interested is because of who said "Paki".

Were it you or me there wouldn't have been a whisper. From anyone.

Allan Friswell, Cowling, N Yorkshire,

The best way to stop all this is to refer to all immigrates and their children born in the UK as follows. Pakistani English, Indian English, African English, maybe Scottish English, English English. This has worked so well in America and how could anyone complain.??

james, brighton, uk

Natalie,
I see what you are saying. You have have a good point. But Bangladesh, India and Pakistan -means half of the world population. I guess volume of population is the reason behind why people use "Asian" exclusivley for those three countries.

TARIQ, ATLANTA, USA

Being an Anglo-Saxon, I don't feel qualified to determine whether the use of the P word is offensive or not. If people on the receiving end feel insulted by it, that's good enough for me.

S Smedley, Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK

J and M clearly you have not experienced racist comments hurled at you.Our first experience of the words 'Paki go home' was when these words were shouted in the 70s at my sister who was then 8 years old. Paki is a very sensitive word amongst Asians who do not see it as a friendly word

Smita , Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Limiting, how do we encourage change if we fear words. the word gay has changed over time.

Alex S, Granville, Australia

Why is "Asian" used exclusively for Indian, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis? It's as if the rest of the continent doesn't exist. It's my pet hate, as I am mixed with origins from other parts of Asia.

Natalie, Hemel Hempstead,

Yes well people with red hair get called names their whole lives. Stop whining. This was something said to a friend. All male groups do this. They call their friends names, they insult them affectionately.

John, Colchester, UK

Are you joking? Are you really so out of touch? The word is commonplace within society at all levels. It can be used in a derogative and friendly manner. The latter being a way of making fun of the sayer, rather than the sayee. Words are subtle and have a myriad of meanings depending on context.

Mike, Chester,