This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/7826701.stm

The article has changed 12 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
Charles faces 'Sooty' name claims Prince defended by friend 'Sooty'
(39 minutes later)
The Prince of Wales refers to an Asian member of his polo club as "Sooty", it has emerged days after the row over Prince Harry's use of a racist term. An Asian polo club member referred to by the Prince of Wales as "Sooty" has said Charles has "zero prejudice".
Clarence House refused to comment on the story but said to suggest Charles was racist was "completely ridiculous".
Kolin Dhillon said the nickname used by his friend was a "term of affection with no offence meant or felt".Kolin Dhillon said the nickname used by his friend was a "term of affection with no offence meant or felt".
Prince Harry has apologised for using the word "Paki" to describe a member of his army platoon in 2006. He said it was also used by other members at the Cirencester Park Polo club in Gloucestershire.
The story emerged days after Prince Harry apologised for using the word "Paki" to describe a member of his army platoon in 2006.
Clarence House refused to comment on the polo club story but said to suggest Charles was racist was "completely ridiculous".
A spokesman said they were not going to comment on the use of an alleged nickname at a private club.
He added: "To suggest in any way the Prince of Wales is racist is completely ridiculous.
"Look at the work he's done here and abroad. Consistently over 30 years he's called for greater tolerance and understanding."Mr Dhillon has presented a polo award to Prince Harry in the past
Mr Dhillon, a former chairman of the Schools and Universities Polo Association originally from the Punjab, emigrated to Britain in 1955.
In a statement, he said: "I have to say that you know you have arrived when you acquire a nickname.
"I enjoy being called Sooty by my friends who I am sure universally use the name as a term of affection with no offence meant or felt.
"The Prince of Wales is a man of zero prejudice and both his sons have always been most respectful."
Political correctness
A member of Cirencester Park Polo Club spoken to by the BBC said the nickname used for Mr Dhillon had not caused any offence.A member of Cirencester Park Polo Club spoken to by the BBC said the nickname used for Mr Dhillon had not caused any offence.
He said: "I know the Prince calls him Sooty. It's not a problem on either side."He said: "I know the Prince calls him Sooty. It's not a problem on either side."
A spokesman for Clarence House said they were not going to comment on the use of an alleged nickname at a private club.Mr Dhillon presented a polo award to Prince Harry in the past Cirencester Park Polo Club declined to comment on the reports.
He added: "To suggest in any way the Prince of Wales is racist is completely ridiculous. But leading British-Asian businessman, Sir Gulam Noon, who has worked with Charles on many occasions, said there was no suggestion the prince had done anything wrong.
"Look at the work he's done here and abroad. Consistently over 30 years he's called for greater tolerance and understanding."
Cirencester Park Polo Club also declined to comment on the reports.
The leading British-Asian businessman, Sir Gulam Noon, who has worked with Charles on many occasions, said there was no suggestion the prince had done anything wrong.
"Political correctness has gone a little bit too far," he told the BBC."Political correctness has gone a little bit too far," he told the BBC.
He added: "I have been working with Prince Charles for more than 20 years now and he has always been absolutely courteous and respectful to every Asian community member he has ever met."He added: "I have been working with Prince Charles for more than 20 years now and he has always been absolutely courteous and respectful to every Asian community member he has ever met."
On Sunday, Prince Harry issued an apology after the News of the World published a video diary in which he calls one of his then Sandhurst colleagues a "Paki".On Sunday, Prince Harry issued an apology after the News of the World published a video diary in which he calls one of his then Sandhurst colleagues a "Paki".
St James's Palace said he had used the term about a friend and without malice.St James's Palace said he had used the term about a friend and without malice.