Prince Andrew accused of making racist remarks against Arabs as politicians call for him to be stripped of taxpayer funding

Prince Andrew is under growing pressure
Prince Andrew is under growing pressure Credit: Toby Melville

A former Home Secretary has accused the Duke of York of making racist remarks about Arabs following a state dinner for the Saudi royal family.

Jacqui Smith, the former Labour minister, was among several politicians who waded into the drama on Tuesday, heaping pressure on the beleaguered Duke and calling on him to step down from public life.

She said witnesses were left “slack jawed” by the comments, which were as bad “as you could imagine.”

Speaking on the LBC election podcast that she co-hosts, Ms Smith revealed that the Duke’s remarks "involved a comment about camels" which she could not bring herself to repeat.

"I met him several times, including once at a state banquet where, after dinner, I and my husband and another Labour cabinet minister had a drink with him,” she said.

"I have to say the conversation left us slack-jawed with the things that he felt it was appropriate to say."

Jacqui Smith said Prince Andrew made racist remarks
Jacqui Smith said Prince Andrew made racist remarks Credit: Johnny Green/PA

She added: "It was a state dinner for the Saudi royal family and he made racist comments about Arabs that were unbelievable."

Describing the Duke as "the worst end of the royal family,” she went on: "The fact he thought we might find this amusing was a terrible situation to be in.

"I don't think he's very bright, I don't think he really understands the way in which he behaves."

She admitted she felt "ashamed" that she did not challenge him about his comments.

Meanwhile, Chris Bryant, a former Labour minister, said the Duke should be stripped of taxpayer funding following his “car crash” BBC interview about Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender.

Liberal Democrat Chuka Umunna called on the 59-year-old royal to retire from public life, saying he had “done more to undermine the monarchy than any other person in his lifetime”.

He said the Duke should “do the right thing” by flying to the US to give evidence, or retire from public life. 

“I just think he's a complete disgrace,” he added. “I cannot believe the interview that happened. I do not understand why public figures, particularly politicians, have been pulling their punches on this.

Chuka Umunna
Chuka Umunna Credit: Ken McKay/ITV/REX

“He has let down the institution, I think the lack of self-awareness is breath-taking, he should go to the U.S, give evidence where needed and do the right thing as he's done too many of the wrong things so far.”

“If he was a politician… he would have been forced to resign ages ago.”

Prospective SNP MP Hannah Bardell tweeted: “We the taxpayers fund the lifestyle and lives of the likes of Prince Andrew. Time to reflect very seriously on all of that.”

Shadow sports minister Rosena Allin-Khan said: “Prince Andrew continues to be out of step with the British public, I welcome his corporate partners withdrawing support from his Pitch@Palace initiative.”

Responding to Ms Smith’s claims, a Buckingham Palace spokesman said: "HRH has undertaken a considerable amount of work in the Middle East over a period of years and has many friends from the region.

"He does not tolerate racism in any form."

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