The Labour Party in Britain has issued an apology to Prince Harry after an MP questioned his ability to fly a helicopter.
The 33-year-old royal previously served in the British Army – but his capabilities were recently called into question by Kensington MP Emma Dent Coad at a meeting called Reigning in the Monarchy.
According to The Sun newspaper, the MP said: "Harry can’t actually fly a helicopter. He tried to pass the helicopter exam about four times and he couldn’t get through it at all so he always goes for the co-pilot.
"So he just sits there going ‘vroom vroom’."
But John Woodcock, MP for Barrow & Furness and former chairman of Labour’s backbench defence committee, has since issued an apology on Twitter, insisting Emma’s comments do not reflect the wider view of the Party.
In a lengthy message, he explained: "The highly inaccurate comments reportedly made by one of our colleagues, which disparage Prince Harry’s military service, in no way reflect the views of my party.
"Like everyone who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe, His Royal Highness deserves nothing but praise and respect for his service in the armed forces.
"In addition to his tours of duty in Afghanistan, Prince Harry inspires so many by the way he champions injured, ill and wounded servicemen and women through the Invictus Games which he founded.
"I am really sorry that this has happened."
Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner has also distanced herself from the comments.
Appearing on ‘Good Morning Britain’, she said: "It’s never been a secret that in the Labour party there are people who are anti-royalist. I personally feel the current generation – Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate – have done the royal family proud.
"We are a party where people hold different views. She’s entitled to her opinion.
"Our view as the Labour party in general is that the Royal Family do contribute to Britain."
Labour Party apologises to Prince Harry
