Prince 'sorry' for wearing Nazi armband

Prince Harry was photographed at a friend's fancy dress party

Prince Harry has apologised for wearing a swastika armband to a friend's fancy dress party.

Clarence House issued a statement in response to a photograph published on the front page of the Sun newspaper under the headline, "Harry the Nazi".

It read: "Prince Harry has apologised for any offence or embarrassment he has caused. He realises it was a poor choice of costume."

Breakfast had more on this during Thursday's programme

We had regular updates live from Clarence House - BBC Royal Correspondent Peter Hunt was there for Breakfast, and June Kelly looked at reaction to the Sun newspaper's picture of the prince.

Click on the link to the right of this page to watch both reports

Buckingham Palace's former Press Secretary Dickie Arbiter came into the Breakfast studio

We found out how damaging this could be to the prince's plans to join the army as a commissioned officer and train at Sandhurst

We also want to know your views. What do you think of the latest controversy surrounding Prince Harry, should he publicly apologise? e-mail us now

Also live at Clarence House, was Jeff Barak, editor of the Jewish Chronicle, you can watch that interview from the link at the right of the page

"Bad Taste"

The Board of Deputies of British Jews said the costume was in "bad taste".

What you told Breakfast Harry is a young and excitable man, I can see where he is coming from, but, I cannot understand why those that knew what he was about to do, did not stop him. Anthony Rodgers, Sheffield Read more viewers' comments on our Your Say page

A spokesman said: "The board is pleased that he's apologised for the incident.

"It was clearly in bad taste, especially in the run-up to holocaust memorial day on the 27th of this month, which the Royal Family will be taking a leading role in commemorating."

The picture was taken at the weekend at a friend's birthday party in Wiltshire, which had the fancy dress theme "colonial and native".

Prince Harry, 20, appears to be wearing a German desert uniform and a swastika armband. He is also holding a drink and cigarette.

'Mistake'

Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain, of the Reform Synagogues of Great Britain, said: "The fact that the palace has issued an apology indicates that this was a mistake by the prince.

"But having been given, the apology should now be accepted."

But the Queen's former assistant press secretary, Dickie Arbiter, said: "This young man has got to come up front and be seen in person making an apology."

Former armed forces minister Doug Henderson MP said the picture showed the prince was "not suitable" for the prestigious royal military academy Sandhurst, which he is due to attend later this year.

"If it was anyone else, the application wouldn't be considered. It should be withdrawn immediately," said the Labour MP for Newcastle upon Tyne North.

The prince, who is third in line to the throne, hit the headlines last year after a scuffle with a photographer at a nightclub.

The Sun reported that Prince William was also at the party - dressed as a lion.

We also want to know your views. What do you think of the latest controversy surrounding Prince Harry, should he publicly apologise? e-mail us now

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