British Royal Race Row

2 weeks ago 05th Nov 14:00

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and husband Prince Philip are at the centre of another race row.

The royals were described as "that Greek twit and his Kraut wife" on BBC comedy quiz show 'Have I Got News For You' sparking over 50 complaints.

The BBC has refused to remove the episode of the show from its websites, despite taking action over another recent TV racist comment - which received only 15 complaints from viewers.

The Queen is head of the House of Windsor, a branch of the German House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha - while Philip was born in Villa Mon Repos on the Greek Island of Corfu.

One viewer wrote on the BBC's Points of View message board: "I am very disapproving when the participants make derogatory personal remarks about public figures.

that Greek twit and his Kraut wife

"Some of these verge on hateful racial prejudice for instance Miranda Hart referred to the Queen as a "kraut"."

The controversial comment came from guest host and comedian Miranda Hart after quiz show panelists discussed Prince Philip's latest gaffe - mocking an Indian man's surname.

The Duke of Edinburgh - who is known for his off-colour comments - made the blunder at a party last week at Buckingham Palace attended by 400 influential British Indians to celebrate a state visit by Indian President Pratibha Patil.

As guests lined up to greet Philip and his wife Queen Elizabeth, Philip read businessman Atul Patel's nametag and said: "There's a lot of your family in tonight".

Philip's joke refers to the stereotype that all Patels are related, as it is the second most popular Indian surname after Singh.

Anti-monarchy group Republic condemned the 88-year-old royal's comments.

A BBC spokesman said of Miranda Hart's comments: "The joke Miranda delivered was about abusive racist language following on from the news story that Prince Philip had made what were considered offensive remarks at a meeting of Indian representatives."