Prince Harry defended over 'Paki' comment

LONDON, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- A Pakistani military officer says Britain's Prince Harry was not being intentionally racist when he referred to him as "Paki."

Pakistan Army Capt. Ahmed Raza Khan said while the nickname "Paki" is typically seen as a racist insult, he recognized that Prince Harry did not mean it in such a way, The Daily Telegraph reported Saturday.

Khan also said since video footage of Harry referring to him as "Paki" was leaked to the media, the British royal has offered a personal apology.

"The prince called me by a nickname which is usually very insulting, but I know he didn't mean it that way," Khan said. "He phoned me to apologize and I have no hard feelings. We need to close this chapter now."

Khan and Harry spent time together at Sandhurst military academy in Britain between 2005 and 2006.

Khan told the Telegraph Harry openly welcomed him to the academy.

"When I went to Sandhurst I didn't know I would be training with Prince Harry but when I met him, it was a good feeling," Khan said. "He is a really nice guy."