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Vladimir Putin condemns Prince Charles's 'Nazi' remarks Vladimir Putin condemns Prince Charles's 'Nazi' remarks
(35 minutes later)
Vladimir Putin has condemned remarks by Prince Charles reportedly comparing his actions to those of the Nazis, saying his words were "not what monarchs do". Vladimir Putin has described Prince Charles's reported comparison of him with Adolf Hitler as "unacceptable".
The prince's reported comments were "unacceptable" and "wrong", the Russian president said. A former Polish war refugee who met the Prince of Wales during a royal tour to Canada said he had likened some Nazi actions in Europe to those of Mr Putin.
Prince Charles is said to have compared Russia's actions in Ukraine with the Nazi occupation of Europe. The Russian president, who has faced criticism in the West over Russia's actions in Ukraine, said if the prince had made such comments they were "wrong" and "not royal behaviour".
Clarence House declined to comment on Mr Putin's criticism. Clarence House declined to comment.
Asked about the prince's reported comments during an interview with international news agencies, the Russian president said: "It reminds me of a good proverb: 'You are angry. That means you are wrong."' 'Well brought-up'
He told journalists: "Give my words to Prince Charles. He has been to our country more than once, if he made such a comparison, it is unacceptable and I am sure he understands that as a man of manners." Asked about the prince's reported comments during an interview with international news agencies, the Russian president said: "In such cases, I am reminded of a good expression: If you're angry, you're wrong.
Mr Putin added: "I met him personally, as well as other members of the Royal Family. This is not what monarchs do. "Pass this on both to the prime minister and Prince Charles. He has visited our country many times. I did not hear him say that.
"But over the past few years we have seen so much, nothing surprises me any longer." "If that is so, then of course it is unacceptable. I think that he himself understands this. He is a well-brought-up man. I am acquainted both with him and members of the royal family.
"This is not royal behaviour."
The alleged comments were made during a conversation with a former Polish war refugee during a royal tour to Canada.The alleged comments were made during a conversation with a former Polish war refugee during a royal tour to Canada.
The prince was speaking to 78-year-old Marienne Ferguson, who left Poland for Canada shortly before the Nazi occupation, at an immigration museum in Halifax, Nova Scotia.The prince was speaking to 78-year-old Marienne Ferguson, who left Poland for Canada shortly before the Nazi occupation, at an immigration museum in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
They had been discussing Hitler's takeover of countries. Ms Ferguson said the prince said "something to the effect of 'it's not unlike... what Putin is doing'".They had been discussing Hitler's takeover of countries. Ms Ferguson said the prince said "something to the effect of 'it's not unlike... what Putin is doing'".
National interests
The Russian embassy said the reported remarks were "outrageous", but reaction in the UK was more supportive of the prince.
Prime Minister David Cameron said he would not comment on a private conversation but added that "everyone is entitled to their private opinions".
And Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said Prince Charles was "free to express himself", while Labour leader Ed Miliband said the prince "has got a point".
The UK has said Russia faces "growing political isolation" over its actions in Ukraine, including the annexation of a chunk of Ukraine's territory, the Crimean peninsula.
But in the interview, Mr Putin played down a worsening of relations.
He added: "I think that if our partners in Great Britain, just as I am, are guided by national interests rather than some other considerations, then all this will pass quite quickly and we'll continue to co-operate as we have done before".