In what is being characterized as “a criticism of the West for failing to confront Mr Putin over his seizure of Crimea”, Britain’s Prince Charles said, “And now Putin is doing just about the same as Hitler” with said seizure.
It’s still unclear how the remark may play out internationally with the two set to meet at D-Day commemorations in France on June 6 of this year.
Charles’ remarks came as he was “on a whistlestop tour of Canada with the Duchess of Cornwall. The two have a full schedule with 41 engagements over three and a half days. He made the remark casually, while surrounded by media.
It was heard by several witnesses. Mother-of-three Mrs Ferguson said: ‘I had finished showing him the exhibit and talked with him about my own family background and how I came to Canada.
‘The prince then said “And now Putin is doing just about the same as Hitler”.
‘I must say that I agree with him and am sure a lot of people do. I was very surprised that he made the comment as I know they [members of the Royal Family] aren’t meant to say these things but it was very heartfelt and honest.