I think a lot of people who are defending Harry are taking it for granted that this was a level of "banter" that was acceptable within the regiment. In fact, he doesn't actually say "Our little Paki friend" to the lad's face, but quietly, far from the soldier's hearing.

Those who describe this as regimental cameraderie are no better informed than those of us who perceive it as a possible example of institutionalised racism. No one knows whether Harry (and others) used this term to the Ahmed Raza Khan's face. We do know that Harry rang him to offer an apology, though - would this have been necessary if the soldier had been aware that this term was regularly used light-heartedly within the regiment? We also know that the soldier's relatives have been deeply offended by the use of the word.

The singer Billy Bragg joined the army in his youth. He was already somewhat disenchanted with the squaddie lifestyle when news came to the regiment one day that Bob Marley had died. Bragg was devastated, as Marley was one of his musical heroes. He was shocked and disgusted, though, by the fact that the barracks room resounded to the jeering racist slurs of his colleagues, who could not acknowledge and respect Marley as one of the greatest musical influences that the world has ever produced, but could only define (and demean) him by his race. Bragg cites this as the turning point which led to him resigning his commission.

While this is something that took place 30 years ago, I think it's fair to say that it is indicative of an institutionalised racism in the British army which it has been fighting ever since, but now and again, just like in the police force, an example comes to public attention which suggests that there's still a long way to go. When one of those examples is provided by a member of the royal family, it's rather inexcusable, IMHO.

Doesn it matter whether a racist slur is used in hatred or in jest? Whether it hurts, or simpply patronises? I don't think so.