The Royals posed for pictures near the ski resort of Klosters

The BBC has defended royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell after he was criticised by Prince Charles during a photo shoot.

Witchell asked the prince about his feelings in the run-up to his wedding to Camilla Parker Bowles on 8 April in Windsor.

The prince initially gave a terse reply before muttering to Prince William and Harry: "Bloody people. I can't bear that man anyway. He's so awful, he really is."

The prince, answering questions at the Royals' annual skiing holiday at Klosters in Switzerland, added: "I hate these people."

In reply, the BBC said: "Nicholas Witchell was in Klosters at the invitation of Clarence House.

"He's been our royal correspondent for seven years, has worked for the BBC for nearly 30 years and is one of our finest.

"His question was perfectly reasonable under the circumstances."