Prince upsets Chinese with 'appalling waxworks' jibe
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Prince Charles's comment was allegedly made in a written journal recording his impressions of the handover of Hong Kong in 1997 and distributed among a handful of friends. The publication of extracts in The Mail on Sunday will cause dismay among ministers and the Royal Family. The Queen and Tony Blair last week hosted an official visit by the Chinese president, Hu Jintao.
Clarence House did not dispute the authenticity of the extracts from the 3,000-word journal, entitled The Handover of Hong Kong - or, the Great Chinese Takeaway. A spokesman for the Prince, however, denied that the heir to the throne had boycotted last week's state banquet in honour of the visiting Chinese premier.
In the journal the Prince records a ceremony he attended with the then leader, Jiang Zemin: "After my speech the President detached himself from the group of appalling old waxworks who accompanied him ... He then gave the kind of 'propaganda' speech which was loudly cheered by the bussed-in party faithful." Another extract records his view that the Chinese army is "heavily involved in pretty corrupt business practices".
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments