PRINCESS MICHAEL OF KENT - PRINCESS MICHAEL APOLOGISES FOR COLONIES JOKE IN SOCIETY MAG

British royal PRINCESS MICHAEL OF KENT has moved to clear her name in a racist misunderstanding that left her vilified by America's black socialites.

The Hungarian-born royal insists a comment about "the colonies" she made in overcrowded New York restaurant DA SILVANO was taken out of context when it was overheard by a group of high-powered black men.

The controversy surrounding her comments led to American publishing house DAN KLORES COMMUNICATIONS dumping Princess Michael from its roster of authors - on the eve of the release of her new history book THE SERPENT + THE MOON: TWO RIVALS FOR THE LOVE OF A RENAISSANCE KING.

But, speaking to American society magazine W, the British royal insists the fuss was made over nothing.

She explains, "The place was very jolly, very boisterous, and we had a table in the corner reserved for us. We three wanted to talk, but it was too loud, so my host went to find another table.

"He came back and said, 'I've found another table... It's in Siberia.

"Now, Siberia's a term that I'm very familiar with. And I said, 'Right now, I wouldn't mind going back to the colonies,' because it's the remotest place I've ever been.

"I didn't think anyone else heard. They (black diners) clearly misunderstood, and I am deeply sorry about that because to offend people is not what I'm about."