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Prince Philip Asks Community Centre Women 'Who Do You Sponge Off?'

Man Who Lives On Millions From The Taxpayer Asks Woman: 'Who Do You Sponge Off?'
Sara C Nelson
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Prince Philip has committed a second sensational social faux pas in less than a week, but this one has touched a nerve.

The Duke of Edinburgh was accompanying the Queen on a visit to the Chadwell Heath Community Centre on Thursday, when he attempted to make small talk with attendees.

Without a suggestion of irony, the taxpayer-powered 95-year-old sidled up to a group of women enjoying a coffee morning at the centre and asked: “Who do you sponge off?”

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Prince Philip and the Queen attend a dance recital at the Chadwell Heath Community Centre

Nusrat Zamir, who founded the Chadwell Heath Asian Women’s Network told the Mirror: “The Duke said to us ‘Who do you sponge off? We’re married so it’s our husbands.

“He was just teasing and it’s similar to what I call my husband – the wallet.”

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The Prince is noted for his colourful outbursts

The elderly Duke continued his efforts to communicate with the locals by asking: “Do you meet to have a gossip?”, and then asked one professional fundraiser: “Do you have any friends left?”

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But the irony of the gaffe-prone prince asking others who they sponge off, appears to have caused a major sense of humour failure on social media.

Last week the elderly Duke was caught on camera instructing a photographer to “Just take the fucking picture” as he joined veterans for the 75th anniversary of the start of the Battle of Britain.

The 94-year-old prince has long been known for his colourful turn of phrase.

Last year he quipped “at least you are all legitimate” to staff at a family planning centre and the year before he made the headlines for joking about a toddler being knocked off an inflatable toy.

The Duke was on a visit to St Michael's Care Complex in the market town of Aylsham, when he spotted a little girl sitting on an inflatable ball.

“Do you get bonus points if you knock her off?” he asked.

Prince Philip: 23 Memorable Quotes
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Prince Philip Through The Years
Prince Philip(01 of25)
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A bouncing baby boy! The little Prince in summer white garb in 1922. (credit:Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Prince Philip(02 of25)
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The dashing duke in a tweed blazer and striped tie. (credit:Alamy)
Prince Philip(03 of25)
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Back when he was known as Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, the soon-to-be Duke posed with his future bride in 1947 wearing a smart blazer and loose-fitting trousers. (credit:Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)
Prince Philip(04 of25)
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On his wedding day with Queen Elizabeth, 1947, Philip wore a traditional decorated uniform. (credit:Popperfoto/Getty Images)
Prince Philip(05 of25)
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As a young officer. (credit:Alamy)
Prince Phlip(06 of25)
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Philip had quite the distinguished jawline. (credit:Alamy)
Prince Philip(07 of25)
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Tweed was and still is a closet staple of the British. (credit:Alamy)
Prince Philip(08 of25)
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But where's your kilt, Philip? (credit:Alamy)
Prince Philip(09 of25)
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In riding jodphurs and a knit sweater, the prince looks at ease and comfortable. (credit:Alamy)
Prince Philip(10 of25)
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Wearing an outfit that male British royalty are famous more, Philip dons a morning coat and cropped trousers. (credit:Alamy)
Prince Philip(11 of25)
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Philip was way ahead of the curve in a fun velvet cape. (credit:Alamy)
Prince Philip(12 of25)
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Possibly getting ready for a hunt, the Prince wears a classic tweed jacket and matching cap. (credit:Alamy)
(13 of25)
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A close-up of his traditional tweed outfit. (credit:Alamy)
Prince Philip(14 of25)
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Nothing says English more than a bowler hat. (credit:Alamy)
Prince Philip(15 of25)
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We wonder if his trench coat is Burberry? (credit:Alamy)
Prince Philip(16 of25)
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A toasty rain jacket and slacks for a walk in nature. (credit:Alamy)
Prince Philip(17 of25)
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The blue really does bring out his eyes, right? (credit:Alamy)
Prince Philip(18 of25)
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(credit:Alamy)
Epsom Races - The Derby Festival(19 of25)
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EPSOM, ENGLAND - JUNE 01: Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh arrives at Epsom racecourse on June 01, 2013 in Epsom, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Royal Windsor Horse Show - Day 5(20 of25)
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WINDSOR, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Prince Philip; Duke of Edinburgh is seen driving his carriage on day 5 of the Royal Windsor Horse Show on May 12, 2013 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Danny E. Martindale/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II Attends The State Opening Of Parliament(21 of25)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 08: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh attend the the State Opening of Parliament on May 8, 2013 in London, England. Queen Elizabeth II unveiled the coalition government's legislative programme in a speech delivered to Members of Parliament and Peers in The House of Lords. Proposed legislation is expected to be introduced on toughening immigration regulations, capping social care costs in England and setting a single state pension rate of 144 GBP per week. (Photo by Geoff Pugh - WPA Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Royal Windsor Horse Show - Day 2(22 of25)
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WINDSOR, ENGLAND - MAY 09: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh attends day two of the Royal Windsor Horse Show on May 9, 2013 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Danny E. Martindale/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Prince Philip(23 of25)
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It's hard to compete with the Queen's leafy hat but the Prince tries his best in a top hat and fun tie. (credit:Alamy)
BRITAIN-UAE-ROYALS-DIPLOMACY(24 of25)
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Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, waits for Emirati President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan for an official reception at the start of his State visit at Windsor Castle, in Berkshire, west of London on April 30, 2013. The Emirati president officially began a State visit to Britain with a cermonial welcome in Windsor hosted by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. AFP PHOTO / LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh(25 of25)
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The Duke of Edinburgh attending a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, London Thursday June 6, 2013. Buckingham Palace says Queen Elizabeth II's husband was later admitted to a London hospital for an exploratory operation. The palace said the operation on 91-year-old Prince Philip will come after "abdominal investigations," but did not elaborate. (AP Photo/ Anthony Devlin, pool) (credit:AP)
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