A SATIRICAL American animated series depicting the British royal family in an unflattering light has caused a stir in the media – with the outrage making headlines across the pond.

The Prince was released on HBO Max in the US last week but is yet to make its way to streaming services in the UK. The programme features voice acting from stars including Alan Cumming, Orlanda Bloom, Lucy Punch and Sophie Turner.

Despite its unavailability, the programme, created by former Family Guy writer Gary Janetti, has upset some commentators due to its characterisation of the young Prince George.

One review in The Telegraph described the cartoon as “disgusting, puerile and cheap”, with the critic outraged by George’s portrayal as a “spoiled, wilful twerp” who enjoys gossiping about his dysfunctional family.

On Good Morning Britain, Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu argued that satirising the youngster is “not funny”.

"Children are off-limits,” she insisted. “Creating a parody to make fun of an eight-year-old is not funny, it's uncalled for, and it goes against our collective sense of responsibility.

“I get people's desire to make fun of the royal family but you do not need the misshapen caricature of an eight-year-old child in order to do so.”

Right-wing Scottish comedian Leo Kearse disagreed, telling the campaigner: “It depends which eight-year-old child you're talking about, if this is a future head of state, someone born into the royal family, then I don't think it's really punching down to mock him.”

Show creator Janetti has defended the depiction – which includes George swearing and calling the Queen a “bad b****” for shooting an assistant – telling reporters: “I would hope that he would find it super funny and have a sense of humour about it, and obviously see that everything is meant with affection.”

The American media appeared to be amused by the controversy in the British newspapers, with the Washington Post detailing the response in an article titled: “Brits outraged by U.S. animated series depicting royal family as egotistical tea drinkers controlled by mafia-boss queen.”

The National:

Bloom has also defended his portrayal of Prince Harry, saying the character is written with “affection”. In his introduction in the 12-part series, Harry appears confused by his new life in LA – dealing with the concepts of apartments and fridges.

"This guy is so nice, and I think he's got a great sense of humour,” he insisted.

"I hope he maintains that through this because they're sort of on a pedestal.

"We're showing real adoration to them in one form or another.

"I try to justify it, because quite frankly, if I'm honest, it's not like me to poke fun at anyone but it is done with affection."