He's never been one to publicly insult anyone or lose his temper, so when Prince Charles was caught whispering a rude remark about BBC reporter Nicholas Witchell it made jaws drop.

The incident happened in 2005, at a photo session in Klosters ski resort in the Swiss Alps, just days before Charles' wedding to Camilla.

The future king was posing with sons Prince Harry and Prince William when the BBC's seasoned royal correspondent Witchell asked how Charles was feeling about his upcoming nuptials.

Somewhat cheekily, the Prince of Wales replied: "I'm very glad you heard of it anyway," before his face contorted into an awkward, somewhat exasperated grin.

And then, through gritted teeth, Charles made his feelings about the reporter known and muttered under his breath: "Bloody people. I can't bear that man. He's so awful. He really is."

It's not clear whether he wanted his comment to be heard, but he was aware he was surrounded by dozens of microphones and cameras.

Along with the remarks about Witchell, Charles was also caught saying, "I hate doing this," and, "Bloody people," as he smiled wryly.

After his dad's muttered utterances, William quickly interjected with a light-hearted response and said: "As long as I don't lose the rings. I have one responsibility and I'm bound to do something wrong."

It's not clear what caused Charles to let rip at Witchell, but the journalist's 2002 obituary of Princess Margaret had caused some offence at the Palace for references to her lovers and "copious" consumption of whisky.

And 10 years on from that frosty encounter, Witchell and the Prince had a very uncomfortable reunion.

The royal correspondent came face-to-face with the Prince at an environmental fundraiser in Washington DC.

It was believed to be the first time the two had met since the heir to the throne was caught making his cutting aside.

But the Prince seemed unrepentant when confronted by the reporter outside the event.

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He gave a curt reply when Witchell asked why he "still cared so much" about environmental issues.

"Well, I'll turn it round the other way," responded Charles. "I think you'd be more surprised if I didn't care about these things.

"But I think particularly in terms of what I've been talking about now, there's an awful lot to worry about."

The Prince then quickly got into his car.

Speaking in 2014 about the incident, Witchell said: "There has never been an apology, and why should there be? He was probably quite right. You know, awful man.

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"You could take the view it was the best thing that happened to me, because it showed that it is our job as BBC journalists to report fairly and accurately, but not to seek approval. We're not there to be liked."

That day was also famous for an endearing interaction between Charles and his then-youthful sons.

As the reporters bustled in their media huddle, Charles asked William and Harry: "Do I put my arms around you?"

William replied: "No, don't, but you can take the horrible glasses away."

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Charles said: "Do not be rude about my glasses, I couldn't bear it if you were."

A cheeky photographer then tells the Royal trio to "look like you know each other", causing the princes to lean into their dad who puts his arms around his sons.

Charles then said to his sons: "What do we do?"

And William replied: "Keep smiling, keep smiling."

It would be later that press secretary Paddy Harverson admitted former boss Charles had some regret about saying what he did that day.

"Nicholas was in the firing line when the prince was expressing his general frustration at the paparazzi and it boiled over at the first person to ask a question," he said.

"It wasn't personal. He does regret saying it. He really didn't mean to take it out on Nicholas."

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