PRINCE Charles avoided questions about his son, Prince Harry, on a visit to the flood-stricken city of Carlisle yesterday.

The Prince of Wales was visiting the area to meet those who were worst-affected by the floods that struck last weekend.

But while he was happy to talk to people whose homes had been devastated by the floods, he ignored the inevitable questions about Prince Harry wearing a Nazi uniform to a fancy dress party.

Prince Charles has reportedly said he would like his son to visit the Auschwitz death camp and to watch the movie Schindler's List about the Nazi persecution of the Jews.

But in Carlisle, people voiced their support for Prince Harry.

Alan Barker, 44, said: "Harry did a daft thing, that's obvious, and to be honest, he's a daft lad. But we were all young once and all did daft things and I think he can be forgiven for this, he meant no harm by it."

Several Jewish groups and charities have offered to take Prince Harry to the Auschwitz death camp to show him the full horrors of the Holocaust.

There are no plans at the moment for the prince to make the journey, although royal aides said the matter "would be considered in due course".

A Clarence House spokes-man said yesterday: "Prince Harry has apologised immediately and in a heartfelt fashion for making a very bad mistake.

"His apology has been accepted by a number of Jewish groups."

The Duchess of York also defended the prince, saying his apology should be accepted.

"I am speaking in support of a great young man who needs more support and less criticism. He has apologised and people have accepted his apology, and let's move on."

The incident came as senior royals, including the Queen, prepared to mark National Holocaust Memorial Day later this month.

The Earl of Wessex, who will visit Auschwitz on January 27 with Foreign Secretary Jack Straw to commemorate the 60th anniversary of its liberation, refused to comment on the scandal.

Prince Harry was at Highgrove yesterday.