It is not whether "the public will forgive Prince Harry", but whether his "Paki" friend was even offended.

The madness of Political Correctness triumphs again!

Jon Maynard, Lansing MI, USA

The ignorance is shocking. The simple fact of the matter is that the term "Paki" was originally coined and used in a derogatory manner and therefore has racist connotations. It's certainly not the same as describing a British person as a "Brit" or a Scottish person as a "Scot" and what have you!

Mac, Manchester, UK

You are completely forgiven Harry. From your loyal public. Now let us get on with life.

B J Deller, Marbella, Spain

Name calling starts at school and it carries on. The difference is you learn to put up with it or ignore it. It helps to nurture your character, give you backbone. What's wrong with this country? Pandering to everyone's pathetic whinging is destroying it. I used to be proud to be British!

B Burnell, Pontypool, Wales

OK it was a "silly" remark, but for goodness sake, the young man is a brave, caring person. The news papers will dig up ANYTHING to get a story. Surely over the past three years Harry has proved himself to be a responsible person. I have been called a Pom here in OZ for years - do I care? NO.

Anne, Adelaide, Australia

Yikes! What can I say without offending SOMEBODY out there? It's clear to me that they're all mates but this kind of thing could actually dilute the poison that's perceived behind this word (and others like it).

Ana, Sydney, Australia

Calling someone a Paki is not the same as using “Brit” to refer to someone from Britain or calling an Australian an “Aussie” - the word Paki was, and still is, used as derogatory term often followed by an act of violence.
Also, please can someone enlighten me as to who exactly the PC Brigade is.

Sandeep Singh Dhillon, Lancaster, Lancashire

It is all Political Talk RUBBISH the people that report and give their EDUCATED opinions on these suposedly indescretions probably are more ANTI everything than your average Jon Doe

Gerald Fleming, Moncarapaho, Portugal

i find it incredible that so much fuss is made about all this. i am australian thru and thru and are proud to be called an aussie,, same same.. would it be offensive to abreviate ones nationality? i think not,,, these princes need some space.

peter stratton, robina , australia

Does it expunge him of all responsibilty to point out that others use that term aswell? We should have a right to expect a higher standard from a prince. He is no longer a boy, but a young man, one whose coddled life of privilege is funded by taxpayers. He should take the consequences like a man.

Peter, South of Minneapolis, USA

Why is there legal protection for immigrants from other countries including Pakistan ? British children learn to accept names when they enter the education system. If you have glasses you are specky,red hair you are carrot top etc. etc.etc. This opression must stop

Victor T Radford, Oldham, Lanc's

I believe Paks is the acceptable abbrev. for Pakistanis as I have observed during cricket. I'm Indian and have been called Paki as insult only. It is not an endearment. This so called prince has also used the unquestioningly insulting term raghead. He should be stripped of all titles and privileges.

Raji Rao, Canberra, Australia

Harry has nothing to be forgiven.

Should I be upset when someone calls me a Brit, no, I am proud to be British, Aussie, Australian, Taff, Welsh, and hundreds more.

What someone should be asking, is how did the News of the World get hold of a personal recording made by an HRH.

Sold by a "friend" ?

Craig, Birmingham, West Midlands

In Birmingham there are many shops which have signs advertising   PAK  SUPERMARKET  so  is it  only when used by  "others"  that it becomes offensive? 

margaret, birmingham,

Not condoning what Harry said (it was stupid and wrong) but whenever this kind of thing happens, the army are quick to jump into righteous mode as if they were saints. I'll bet that racially offensive slurs are thrown around every day in the barracks, yet it takes this to make it a Big Deal.

Bob Dobbs, Sodermalm, Sweden

In fact I understood that the word "paki" means "clean" . I read that a Pakistani somewhere in Nth England has a company called "paki". I do though agree it is not a nice word, and probably said with not hatred but more contempt,usually by not very nice people
or people that have'nt thought first.

mike, london, uk

Scot = Scottish, Brit = British, Turk = Turkish, Aussie = Australian do i need to go on!
What is the problem here its an abbreviation/ slang call it what you want. Its a cheap shot by the press, as for the politicians comments shame on all of you.

Neil Worthington, Poynton, UK

People need to realise that its 2009. Here in Australia the word Paki is short for pakistani we hear it at the cricket day in day out, even on TV. I will have to agree with James from London on this one - Time for a re-prioritization of stories perhaps!

Jim Moustakas, Sydney, Australia

Dave from Banbury - words don't exist in isolation. They pick up all sorts of contexts and connections, independant of their meaning, depending on who's saying them and in what situation they're being said. Paki is very much one of those words, I'm afraid.

Matthew Lancey, Sydney, Australia

The people of Afghanistan are referred to as Afghanis, not Afghanistanis.

Tom Howard, Bordeaux, France

I am pleased that a lot of people should feel that it is not offensive on my behalf. Paki is a derogitory term in the same way Nigger is offensive. For people of Pakistan, Pakistani is the term for a native, not Paki. If your education is limited as to not understand this the you have been enlighted

Kam, Milton Keynes, UK

I understand 'Paki' can be understood as genuinely offensive, but presumably it's not in the same category as the 'n' word, which newspapers would not print in their headlines.

philip, cambridge,

After reading the comments, it is easy to see racism still exists in every area of society. People who have not experienced racist slurs consistently over years, from the playground to the work place, find it hard to comprehend why the Prince's words are damaging. Sad to see, but not unexpected.

john, glasgow,

A minor media storm and beat up as another reader wrote "A british soldier died today on active service". There are more important issues in this world at this time than a remark by amember of the Military or the Royal family

Adrian, Perth, Australia

Has anyone asked the chap involved if he was offended? If not and if it were said in a joking and friendly way, as it appeared to be, then surely this shows that Prince Harry is the opposite of racist, is happy to have a Muslim/Pakistani friend and should be applauded for his example?

Tom, London,

Is calling an Australian an Aussie racist?
The whole PC thing is getting crazier by the day

Daryl, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysis

Im amazed by the comments on this thread. So many people defending him just because he's a Windsor. If this was Jonathon Ross the same people would be in favour of publicly flogging him. It's racism, pure and simple.

Phil Burton, Walsall,

If you really find "Brit" etc. offensive, tell people so. Decent people will stop calling you it once they realise it upsets you. But it's ridiculous to argue that using "Paki" is no different - the history behind the terms is a world apart.

Luke, Newcastle,

PAKI is not any race, but it is an abbreviation.
(P -> Pastun; A -> Afghani; K-> Kashmiri; I -> Indian; STAN -> a place or a region or an area of land)

Thus, PAKI + STAN -> PAKISTAN.
Formula used to derive the name Pakistan, a name of a country.

D.R. DeRuben
San Francisco, California

D.R. DeRuben, San Francisco, U.S.A.

Honestly, let it go. he said it without malice and in a spirit of comradeship, that's how bonds are forged in elite groups. As a Pakistani my self i think there's other things about our image we need to worry about than that silly remark.

ali, LA, US

Complainers do absolutely nothing to integrate youth and create harmony.
No other nation in the world get offended by shortened names, nick names, or linked to disparaging events. It’s a way of life to be called names from time to time.
Thoughts by a ‘Monkey Hanger’ sorry person from Hartlepool.

Ian, Hartlepool,

Perhaps the Prince, being a public role model, should have known better. I'm not condoning racial abuse in any form. However the guy Harry supposedly 'insulted' is a trained killing machine. Are we really to think he feels hurt by what seems to be a bit of banter?

CJ, Tayport, Fife,

Why do Pakistani and Bangladeshi restaurants practically always call themselves Indian?
Why are Scottish soldiers, especially in Scottish regiments, always called Jocks by their officers, frequently Scots themselves, but by the term Jocks differentiating themselves from their fellow Scots?

Malcolm Black, at present a Pommy, Wodonga, Australia

Your Prime Minister is not up to the job, your economy is going down the pan, your health system is probably the worst in Europe and your children are probably the worst educated in Europe. Yet Harry's harmless remark to a mate is far more important and newsworthy. Complete madness!

Jack, Limoges, France

Nor have I (as Dave from Babury) never understood why "Paki" is interpreted as being racist. I am a Finnish person and it is linguistically (and politically) correct to call me a Finn.

Heini, Northamptonshire,

Clifford. I think not maligning or causing offence to people is a courtesy we should extend to everyone, not just a small minority, who happen belong to some arcane officers' club.

Jonathan, Ruislip,

Arriving at an English boarding school from my Portuguese home in the 1970s, I attracted the moniker 'Paki' on account of my olive skin. The term was intended as an insult, and I learnt to take it as such.

Simoes, Bath, UK

Once again, "political correctness" gone mad.
We were Limies and what about Brummies?
Pakis are obviously from Pakistan.

Dave, Manchester, Britt

It's very refreshing that the majority think this whole episode is laughable. In Australia I once read a national news headline declaring "Pakis go home!" I couldn't believe it, but not a single outcry was heard. Another popular TV programme was "Wogorama", full of Italians. All accepted in jest.

Matt, Lowestoft, GB

All members of the royal family have made offensive remarks from time to time. This is one more...

valerie nordberg, riihimäki,

I have often asked why there is a difference between "Paki" and say "Aussi" , "Yank" or "Pom"? Needless to say, I've never had a sensible answer. Also, why is it acceptable for Pakistanis to call each other "Paki" or Negros (oops, sorry, African Americans) to call each other the "N" word? Strange.

Mark , Brussels,

So, according to Clifford Mayhew-Jones, whatever the circumstances, Army officers do not cause offence to brother officers. Where does that leave the rest of us - fair game for offence and abuse for upper class louts who have been dressed in uniform?

Neil, Gloucestershire, England

I did not in the least find it offensive, nor do I consider this news. Whats the matter with this society? Has it completely lost its confidence?

David, East Preston, England

Another storm in a tea cup whipped up by the PC brigade. It is clear from the context that the asian involved was a colleague and friend of Prince Harry and no offence or malice was intended.

Andrew brown, derby, UK

Very sad to read all the comments on this thread.
I find it incredible that people think a disgusting racial slur like 'paki' is in any way the same as calling someone a 'brit', 'yank' or 'ginger'
Ignorance.

Tom, London, UK

I have never understood why "Paki" should be interpreted as being racist. Surely it is no worse than calling a British person a "Brit".

Dave , Banbury, UK

today, i saw on tv a Pakistani muslim accepting the apology, and saying it was time to move on. I agree with him....he said there are more important things in the world...such as the death of innocent children in Gaza. Let's hope that such simple wisdom prevails.

tone, cambridge,

I'm outraged. Sorry, what was the story again? Anyway, whatever the story is, I'm ouraged. In fact, I'm outraged that more people aren't outraged at whatever it is. That's what we need more of. Public outrage.

Paul, Aldershot, UK

Poor poor Harry, He can't be himself anywhere! Not even with his mates in the army. What he said was said with no malice and with the innocence of youth. Give him a break for goodness sakes!

angela, chelsea, australia

As an ex British Army officer, I am afraid whatever the reason, we do not malign or cause offence to our brother officers, specially those from overseas. Period.... its a non negotiable part of the way we act and the oath we take.

Clifford Mayhew-Jones, Dorset, UK

In case anyone missed it a British Soldier died on active service today, fighting to protect the rights of Muslims in the Asian subcontinent. Who know how many hundreds have died today in Gaza.

Time for a re-prioritization of stories perhaps?

James, London,

People should keep a sense of perspective for heaven's sake!

-by saying "heaven" have I just insulted:
Atheists who don't believe in heaven?
Muslims because the muslim verison of heaven is slighlty different to the generally held Christian view
Pagans
Satanists

If I have, do I care?

No

Peter, London,

As an Indian living in Britain, last thing I want is my colleagues and friends walk on egg shells around me. These outdated and opportunist self declared leaders do not represent confident Asian youth of today. It does look like Harry said that in joking way. He has said sorry. Move on.

Ravi, Reading ,

As a rookie NS in 1953 the abuse was horrific. I reckoned by the time I had done my basic I could swear for 20 minutes without using the same word twice. I suggest desensitising sessions for all these people. The working class don't swear now we leave it to the clever clogs, but I would volunteer.

ged, manchester,

"We know no spectacle so ridiculous, as the British public in one of its periodical fits of morality."

Thomas Macauley, 1850s

Jim, Bristol,

"Sticks and Stones may break my Bones, but names will never hurt me" this need to be instilled in children worldwide.. The prince has said he is sorry, everyone needs to move on...

john francis, North Carolina, USA

So, next time Harry or my son are caller a 'ginger' they can claim racism. Simple rules for simple people. There are far too many individuals who have no idea how to tell the difference between banter and racism. Skin colour isn't the problem, its the thickness that needs to be increased!

David, Brussels,

I think its perhaps time we addressed the over sensitivity to certain uses of mere language. Harry is not racist and the majority of the public are fed up of the immoderate and persistent persecution upon innocent remarks/actions by the politically correct.

Peter Mears, Maghull, UK

This has been blown way out of proportion, and it's rather pathetic that so many people, especially politicians, have focused so much energy and emotion on this slip of the tongue from three years ago! It was a small remark made jokingly to a friend and it isn't as though no one else does it...

Emily, Stroud, UK

roger slade- the mark may not be offensive to certain people and ys it should be put behind as the prince has apologised three years ago, but bear in mind the comment WAS A FORM OF RACISM! It should not be tolerated, due to it's use of term in history and in past media. No1 shud condone such racism

Sarah Rosenberg, Surrey,

Anyone else in a postion of authority would face discipline or criminal charges. A classic case of double standards !!

john, Greasby, Wirral

Will you please ignore this so called leaders offended by this remark? What make that word so offensive as long as used nicely to describe a friend? Is ethnicity a shame? To my common sense, Harry was trying to say the unity in diversity of his platoon.

Manojkumar K, Liberton, Scotland

Zorba, of course he's been called "Ginge". but apparently us Ginges are the last of the persecutable. I have no more control over my hair colour as someone else has over their skin colour, but still i have to put up with being targetted by every stand up comic in town. do i complain? not much :-)

Barry, woking, GB

despite the fact that his slur was offensive etc, if there really was any intention of penalising him for his behaviour, why is this only happening three years after the event?

mike clarke, stevenage,

Oh come on now Times, why are you reporting the views of the Party leaders? Did you expect one of them say his remarks were OK?

I thought his make believe phone call to his Gran was great as was his impersonation of his CSM.

Phil, Warrington, England

What shocks me the most about England is that if Prince Harry was just like anyone else, then he would most certaintly get fired for using such comments.

Maria Svensson, Malmö, Sweden

He called him a 'friend' did he not?

What's the problem?

M Carter, Leeds,

are the Brit Awards to be renamed or should I complain about its racist title ?

Mike, Sole Street, England

In Britain, a cigarette is a fag. In the US it is a slang word offensive to many . Different things to different people. Some folks will get their knickers in a twist over just about anything, and the media is only too willing to blow it out of proportion.

John F. McIlray, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA

Get real folks! There are more nasty things going on in the world than this. I object to the use of 4 letter words that seem to occur in everyday speech in public today but seem to have to put up with it. Let's worry about real problems - all the killing that goes on around us today for example.

Peter, Norwich, Norfolk

THis is a witch hunt and those doing the hunting are just nasty people with nothing better to do

S Soos, Leicester,

Give him a break, will you? He's a sound kid, and he's put his life on the line for our multi-racial, multi-cultural country. Slip of the tongue, unguarded remark, whatever - give him a break.

Phil, Cotswolds, United Kingdom

I suppose no one has ever called him, "Ginge"?

Zorba Eisenhower, Seldom, Wilts,

Has anyone thought to ask Prince Harry's Pakistani friend what he thought of the remark at the time? Did he take offense?

Les Mitchell, Crewkerne, England.

Honestly - why all the fuss? It was said 3 years ago on private video footage, and the Prince has apologized for causing any possible offence.Why can't the media stop hounding the poor guy, and for once in a while rememember the good things he's done - his work for charity and the children in Africa

Chris Irwin, Dorchester, England

Who cares what the Moslem leader thinks? The remark was trivial and not racist.

Roger Slade, winchester,

How many Americans took offence when called Yanks? How many of our lads took offence when called Tommys? Every group, particularly rookies' use slang for both their friends and their enemies, always did and always will.

A B Hide, York, UK

This is getting sillier and sillier. I am surprised no one stands up to say there is nothing more normal than healthy banter. Obviously all those who are so shocked have never played sports or pehaps even attended school. Politically correct is death and boredom. It is also becoming dangerous.

Maria, Florence, Italy

If no insult was intended...then no insult should be taken.

Forget the political correct nonsense...Harry was a young man and young men under the influence do stupid things.

He is a young man and by all accounts a good young officer.

Frank Madigan, Capreol, Canada

My Pakistani pals all call themselves "Paki", much to my initial disbelief. They don't view it as derogatory, it's just short for Pakistani - much like we're "Brits"...

I found their attitude refreshing - it's only when you're looking for rascism that you'll find it. Give us all a break.

Ken, Carlisle, Cumbria

There is nothing racists in Prince Harry's comment unless its meant in a derogatory manner and there's no evidence of that. I would remind Mohammed Shafiq that if he finds offense in this then I'm certain many white Brits could find all manner of offensive chatter from Asians. Does he want this ?

Mike, Alicante, Spain

officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan so that nationals are called pakistanis not the diminutive. Simple solution – call them pakistanis not p***. Incidentally British citizens are “BRITISH” not “Brits” so let us add that diminutive to the non-PC racialist list and report all cases of its use

M. Cawdery, Portadown, Co UK, EU

In whose company did he learn such terms?

Chaz, London, UK

Surely the word Yank in itself is far more opposable, or indeed Pom, than the abbreviation of the state of Pakistan for someone who comes from there? What a load of pc nonsense; what was the context of Harry's remark? Idiocracy is where we live now..

Tigger Lavros, Leeds, UK

Not really worth the comment as all the so-called PC groups will have their view re racist remarks and yet these groups are the most racist.

Louis, Liverpool, UK

'Brit' isn't considered offensive nor racial, whereas 'paki' has and always will be used in a racial context. This dates back to the 70's when a substantial amount of indians and pakistanis emigrated to England. The term 'paki' was used as a derogatory term towards these races then and now.

Moez, Reading,

and would Mohammed Shafiq please stop saying that his organisation represents asians. Asia is a lot bigger than Pakistan. I am of Indian origin and do not see why there is such a big issue being made about a 3 year old comment

chottu, London, UK

Can someone explain to me why no one minds, not even me, if you call me a Brit, which is short for British. Yet if anyone uses the terms P@ki, which is short fo Pakistani, everyone gets up tight about it. what excatly is the differance? Why isn't everyone proud of what they are?

Barry, woking, GB