Muslim leader issues public apology for calling Prince Harry 'a thug'

London, Jan 14 (ANI): A Muslim leader in Britain has made a public apology for accusing Prince Harry of being "a thug."

A video footage taken in 2006 sees Prince Harry with his fellow military cadets. He is heard to refer to one as "our little Paki friend," a derogatory term referring to the Pakistanis.

The video sparked a public outrage, claiming the Prince, who once donned a Nazi military costume at a party in 2005, is racist.

While the Royal has already apologised for his comment, Mohammed Shafiq, the chief executive of the Ramadhan Foundation, a Muslim youth organisation, regretted his own choice of language in an apology on January 13.

"On reflection, I wish to issue a sincere and unreserved apology to Prince Harry for any offence I have caused him," The Telegraph quoted him as saying.

The 29-year-old leader called Harry "a thug" in an appearance on television, but has now admitted to being at fault.

"I recognise that when we make mistakes we should be honourable and decent to accept them and I hope that this apology is accepted in that way. I never intended to offend Prince Harry," he said.

He added: "I am, however, still of the view that the use of the term 'Paki' is unacceptable in the 21st century and I welcome Prince Harry's acceptance that this word is racist and offensive. I know he is a very talented individual and has a bright future ahead of him and hope we all learn lessons from this sorry episode." (ANI)