THE somewhat contrived outrage over Prince Harry's Nazi uniform has deflected attention from the theme of the party, colonials and natives, which is equally offensive.

His brother William is reported to have worn a leopard-skin costume, and presumably others dressed as Zulus and Aborigines and made jokes about 'brown people' all night. Who do these people think they are - Stan Boardman?

Harry's age is no excuse. I'm the same age, and you don't need a PhD in history to realise that the Nazis were wrong.

The whole incident doesn't necessarily mean Harry is a racist (although it must have pleased his South African girlfriend, who may well be). But it provides unarguable proof that the royals are dimwits who should be disestablished.

Tom Ward,

Leeds Road,

Selby.

Updated: 09:52 Monday, January 17, 2005