British Royals deny racism in Indian polo player 'Sooty' row

Washington, January 15 (ANI): Prince Charles and his two sons, William and Harry, have slammed allegations that they are racist, after reports claiming that they called an Indian friend "Sooty" emerged.

Polo player Kolin Dhillon had revealed that his royal pals "affectionately" referred to him by the moniker whenever they met at a sports club near the Charles' countryside residence.

The sportsman had further rubbished the claim that the royals were racist, saying that the nickname used by the Prince of Wales and other players at the club was 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," Contactmusic quoted him as saying in a statement.

And now, a spokesperson for the royals has trashed implications that the senior Prince or his fellow family members were practitioners of racism.

The rep said: "The Prince of Wales has a very strong view on racial intolerance. No one has been more of an advocate for the understanding and tolerance of various religious and ethnic groups and his record speaks volumes on this issue."

The development comes days after the Royal family came under the scanner in a new race row, with Harry facing probe by Army officials for calling a fellow Asian comrade "Paki" in a 2006 home video. (ANI)