Charles backs Harry

Prince Charles is refusing to force Harry to visit Auschwitz or make a TV apology for his Nazi fancy dress stunt.

The Prince of Wales is angry that his son is being pilloried for what he regards as a silly but harmless prank and wants to shelter him from further bad publicity. But the outrage over 20-year-old Harry's decision to attend a party in a German soldier's uniform with a swastika armband continues to reverberate around the world.

The royal family's refusal to take further action risks provoking yet more public criticism.

Newspapers and television stations in Israel, Germany, Italy and the US have already condemned Harry as stupid and insensitive. But after a series of meetings with senior officials, Charles made it clear that he would refuse to bow to political pressure from senior British politicians, including Tory leader Michael Howard, who demanded Harry make a personal apology.

Charles told his senior advisers he will not allow his son to be "hung out to dry". One senior official told the Standard: "As far as the Prince is concerned Harry has apologised for his mistake. He has said sorry and that is the end of the matter."

It has been decided that after Clarence House's contrite statement yesterday nothing more would be added and there will be no gesture such as a public trip by Harry to the Auschwitz concentration camp.

The offensiveness of Harry's gaffe was compounded by the timing, which coincides with the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

This is to be commemorated later this month in a ceremony attended by representatives from around the world.

Britain will be sending European minister Denis Mac-Shane and defence under-secretary Ivor Caplin. The royal family will be represented by Prince Edward.

Mr Howard, who is Jewish, said only a televised apology from Harry would satisfy. He said: "It would be appropriate to hear from him in person. I think it might be appropriate for him to tell us himself just how contrite he is."

Harry, due to start his military training at Sandhurst in May, is said to be "deeply upset" over the reaction.

A senior source said: "There is a feeling that although it was a genuine error and certainly ill-advised he now feels under siege.

"With the benefit of hindsight he knows he was wrong to wear the uniform and the swastika armband but some among his friends feel it has been taken out of all proportion.

"While the Prince of Wales is understandably disappointed with Harry and has made his feelings very clear, he is equally adamant that his son should not be hung out to dry."

It is understood that the Queen has rallied behind her grandson despite the condemnation.

Although she agrees that Harry's decision to dress as a Nazi was ill-advised, she has acknowledged that he did so at a private party and that he genuinely meant no harm.

"The Queen has not intervened in the situation, she will always back her family and is supporting Prince Charles on whatever course of action he decides is appropriate," said the source. Charles's defiant stance comes as it emerged that he has turned to his former adviser Mark Bolland - who spearheaded his PR drive for acceptance for his relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles.

Mr Bolland, who runs a successful PR firm and is a columnist with a Sunday tabloid newspaper - was contacted by the Prince as the Harry row erupted.

His decision to turn to his former spindoctor comes despite him dispensing with his services last year. Advised by Private Secretary Sir Michael Peat, Charles hired a new public relations team led by former Manchester United spokesman Paddy Harverson.

A senior source said: "This is a clear reflection of just how seriously he's taking the issue. But also it does not reflect well on his current team of advisers."

Since the death of Diana in 1997, Charles has doted on his younger son.

He has turned to the advice of former Guards officer Mark Dyer to help steer Harry into adulthood. A source said: "There is now a feeling in the Prince of Wales's camp that Harry needs a firmer hand to guide him and the sooner he joins the Army the better."

It is still possible that the royal family may decide to send Harry to Auschwitz on a private visit should the weight of worldwide criticism prove too much to ignore.

In Israel, the country's top daily was flooded with readers' comments accusing the Prince of being stupid and acting in bad taste.

In the US, the New York Post ran the picture of Harry with the headline Royal Nazi while the Washington Post declared: "Consensus on Prince Harry's Gaffe: He Knows Nothing."

It emerged that Harry hired his costume at a shop close to Highgrove, Maud's Cotswold Costumes, popular with the young royals and their set.

Among the other outfits which were said to have caught the prince's eye was a SS uniform.

Maud Franklin, 78, who runs the shop, said: "My shop is popular with young royals.

"They normally go for more specific themes or something outrageously silly like a chicken outfit."