Outrage as Prince Harry is forced to take part in minute's silence for Fidel Castro

Prince Harry was left in an awkward position when he was asked to take part in a moment's silence after the death of Fidel Castro - despite some describing the Cuban leader as a "murderous dictator".

The silence was observed when the prince attended a drinks reception on the island of St Vincent, during his Caribbean tour.

He had been at the reception as the guest of honour to present Duke of Edinburgh awards to young people.

But the country's governor general Sir Frederick Ballantyne, who was hosting the event, asked his guests to mark the death of the international figure.

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The 32-year-old stared straight ahead expressionless during the silence which lasted around 20 seconds.

So far, neither the Queen nor the Prime Minister Theresa May has officially made any statements about the passing of the Cuban leader, who some regard as a "revolutionary" while others see him as a communist dictator.

Tory MP Alec Shelbrooke told MailOnline that forcing Prince Harry to join the minute's silence was "very unfair" and the government should make clear it was unacceptable.

"Castro was a murderous dictator. He is dead, and good riddance," Shelbrooke said.

"It is very unfair to put pressure on members of the Royal Family to take part in this kind of tribute.

"Prince Harry shouldn't be put in this position. I think it would be desirable, through the usual diplomatic channels, to make sure this kind of thing does not happen again where Royals are put in this situation."

While fellow Conservative MP Michael Fabricant said Prince Harry had conducted himself well after being put in an "awkward" situation.

The death of Castro was announced on Saturday and nine days of national mourning have been declared in Cuba.

- Daily Mail