President Vladimir Putin said Prince Charles' comments about him were "not royal". The prince compared Mr Putin's actions in Crimea to those of the Nazis in World War II. This caused a lot of argument in Britain and Russia. Mr Putin told reporters he had not heard the exact words. He said: "This is definitely unacceptable if this is true." He added: "I know him and members of the royal family personally and this was not royal behaviour."

Mr Putin said Prince Charles' comments would not damage relations between the two nations. He said both he and Britain were "guided by national interests". He added: "All this will pass quite quickly and we'll continue to co-operate". The prince and president will meet in France next month. The meeting will probably go smoothly. They will follow the rules of diplomatic behaviour. Britain's leader David Cameron said the prince could voice his opinions.