Royal Author Apologises to Prince Harry for 'Mate' Remark After Race Row
Royal commentator and author Robert Jobson has publicly disclosed a personal apology he made to Prince Harry following a contentious encounter in 2009. This incident occurred after the Duke of Sussex faced significant media scrutiny when footage surfaced of him using a racial slur towards a fellow Sandhurst cadet.
The Controversial Footage and Initial Confrontation
In 2009, video emerged showing Prince Harry referring to Ahmed Raza Khan, a fellow cadet at Sandhurst, using a term widely regarded as one of the most offensive slurs against people of South Asian origin. The revelation sparked a major race row, drawing widespread condemnation and headlines across the British press.
Speaking on The Sun's Royal Exclusive podcast, Jobson recounted how he approached Prince Harry after the story broke. According to Jobson, the prince accused him of having a "secret camera" to capture the incident. In response, Jobson retorted sharply, stating, "With the greatest respect mate, it was your camera, your racist comment, and someone in your circle who obviously handed over the video."
The Apology and Its Context
Jobson admitted that he later apologised to Prince Harry for his choice of words during this exchange. Specifically, he expressed regret for referring to the prince as "mate," clarifying that Harry was not his friend. "I had to apologise for and I did apologise, I apologised for calling him mate because he's not my mate," Jobson explained. This apology highlights the formal boundaries often observed in royal interactions, even amidst heated discussions.
Despite this tense moment, Jobson noted that their relationship improved on another occasion. He recalled sharing a flight with Prince Harry from New Zealand, shortly after breaking the news that Harry was leaving the Army. "He was quite good actually," Jobson said, describing how Harry discussed his plans to support veterans with prosthetics, albeit with a hint of scepticism about media coverage.
Prince Harry's Reflections in His Memoir
Prince Harry addressed the 2009 incident in his explosive memoir, Spare, published in 2023. He wrote that he did not initially understand the offensive nature of the slur, having grown up in an environment where it was commonly used without apparent malice. "I didn't know it was an insult. When I was little, I'd heard lots of people use that word and had never seen anyone scowl or seem upset," Harry explained. He likened his perception of the word to calling someone a "Yankee," viewing it as innocuous at the time.
Harry further detailed that his father's office issued a statement following the incident, while he was advised against releasing his own. He personally reached out to Ahmed Raza Khan to apologise, receiving forgiveness that, according to Harry, only deepened his remorse. "He said he knew I wasn't a racist, that it was alright. But it wasn't alright. And his forgiveness, his natural deference, only made me feel worse," Harry wrote, underscoring the lasting impact of the episode on his conscience.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Scrutiny
This revelation adds to the ongoing public discourse surrounding Prince Harry's past actions and his relationship with the media. Jobson's account sheds light on the personal dynamics between royal figures and commentators, illustrating how apologies and reconciliations can occur behind the scenes. The incident also reflects broader issues of racial sensitivity and accountability within elite institutions, resonating with contemporary debates on diversity and inclusion.
As royal news continues to captivate audiences, stories like this one offer a glimpse into the complexities of navigating fame, responsibility, and personal growth in the public eye. The apology, though minor in wording, symbolises the nuanced etiquette and tensions that define interactions between the monarchy and the press.
