A manager for the British Council has reportedly criticised three-year-old Prince George, the third in line to the throne, for living a life free of hardship and benefiting from “white privilege”.

Angela Gibbins, Head of Global Estates for the cultural relations organisation, which is partially funded by the taxpayer, made the comments in response to a photo on social media captioned: “I know he’s only two years old [sic], but Prince George already looks like a f****** d***head”, according to The Sun.

Posting a message beneath the picture of the young prince, she reportedly wrote: "White privilege. That cheeky grin is the innate knowledge he's royal, rich, advantages and will never know any difficulties or hardships in life".

“Let’s find photos of 3yo Syrian refugee children and see if they look alike, eh?”

In response to criticisms online, the 52-year-old Ms Gibbins is said to have responded: "I'm sound in my socialist, atheist and republican opinions.

“I don’t believe the royal family have any place in a modern democracy, least of all when they live on public money. That’s privilege and it needs to end.”

7 of Prince George's most astounding privileges and powers

A spokesperson for the British Council said in a statement: “This comment was made on a private social media account.

“It has absolutely no connection to the British Council and does not represent the views of the British Council.

“That said we expect the highest standards of our staff and we will be investigating the matter further.”

Ms Gibbins is reported to have a salary of around £80,000 a year for her role at the organisation.

The British Council works in more than 100 countries to provide educational opportunities and cultural relations and is sponsored by the Foreign Office. It has a Royal Charter and its patron is the Queen.

Earlier this month, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George's parents, met schoolchildren in France who were taking part in a British Council programme.

Prince George's third birthday Show all 4 1 /4 Prince George's third birthday Prince George's third birthday Undated handout photo released by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge of Prince George, who celebrates his third birthday today, standing on a swing. The picture was taken at the family's Norfolk home in mid-July by Matt Porteous. Matt Porteous/PA Wire Prince George's third birthday Undated handout photo released by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge of Prince George, who celebrates his third birthday today. The picture was taken at the family's Norfolk home in mid-July by Matt Porteous. Matt Porteous/PA Wire Prince George's third birthday Undated handout photo released by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge of Prince George, who celebrates his third birthday today. The picture was taken at the family's Norfolk home in mid-July by Matt Porteous. Matt Porteous/PA Wire Prince George's third birthday Undated handout photo released by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge of Prince George, who celebrates his third birthday today. The picture was taken at the family's Norfolk home in mid-July by Matt Porteous. Matt Porteous/PA Wire

The Independent could not reach Ms Gibbins for comment.