A SENIOR policeman given a public reprimand by royalty over his uniform was today backed by his boss.

Chief Superintendent David Short came in for criticism when Prince Andrew branded the national police uniform "unacceptable" for a Royal visit.

As the Duke of York arrived to greet dignitaries at Thirsk firm Multidrive, he asked Chief Supt Short why he was not dressed more formally.

The eastern area commander - who was wearing a black fleece operational jacket as opposed to the formal tunic often worn at such events - replied he was acting under orders from Chief Constable Della Cannings.

But the Prince said this was "unacceptable" and left the line of dignitaries without comment before continuing yesterday's hour-long tour of the business.

Chief Supt Short declined to comment, but Ms Cannings said: "I will not be approaching taxpayers for additional funding for ceremonial uniforms. We do not have a ceremonial remit and we no longer have clothing for purely ceremonial wear.

"We always attend county visits by the Royal Family as operational police officers, smartly dressed and equipped ready for any contingency. That includes me.

"Officers have worn national uniform during other county Royal visits without comment from any other member of the Royal Family - except the great interest shown by HRH The Prince of Wales in the fluorescent woolly hats for bad weather."

She said the practical weather-proof uniform, as worn by Chief Supt Short, allowed officers to carry personal protection equipment.

The Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh, who was in the ceremonial line-up, sympathised with Chief Supt Short. She said she would be contacting Ms Cannings to clarify the issue.

But the Tory MP said the Duke's comments highlighted Royal concerns about attempts to apparently distance the Crown from the law.

The Duke declined to comment further.

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said the Duke had been asking a question and not making a point.

Updated: 11:19 Saturday, March 06, 2004