The last time the British Monarchy came to China, some controversies were stirred after they were caught making remarks that offended the Chinese sensibilities.

After almost 30 years, as China takes on a more important role in the global stage, it is the country's turn to poke fun at visiting Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge.

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His arrival on Sunday night is the second time the British Monarchy has visited Mainland China.

The British monarchy's first visit was in 1986, with the arrival of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

It marked the symbolic end of the colonial era.

She came in time for the signing of the agreement that would hand control of Hong Kong to China.

Prince William's visit this week highlights China's increasing stand of superiority toward countries it once saw as icons for greatness.

When the Queen visited 18 years ago, China's accommodations included importing a toilet for her exclusive use.

The hosts also made sure the 5 airplaines in her entourage left 10 minutes apart, to be certain there will be no mishaps that will put her safety at risk, given China's then poorly-controlled airspace.

The British in 1986 also did not hide their distate of the Chinese.

The paper, London Sun, published a front-page headlining "Dirty Deng" and it talked about the frequent spitting of then-Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping.

Prince Philip had advised British students in China that they should come home soon, so they would not end up "slitty eyed."

Another paper in the United Kingdom has declared the Prince "All Wong."

Still, another publication reported how Prince Philip had made the Chinese "Velly, Velly Angry."

But now that China has become used to receiving world's dignitaries, its reception for Prince William has decidedly become more subdued and bereft of fanfare.

The local news did not headline his trip. The papers published the upcoming meetings of China's legislature, which begins this week.

When the Queen arrived in 1986, she was given a tour in Zhongnanhai, a secretive enclave for the top leadership.

This week, Prince William was met by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, a pedestrian area across the street.

Prince William was even mocked by some media commentators.

"His head is bald. He looks like an uncle in his 50s," one said.

Another observed that the he "did not look as good-looking as the prince in the fairy tales."

Still another wondered, "is it really not possible to grow back a hairline?"

One was also heard saying, "he was super handsome when he was 20."

Such are the criticisms made on Prince William during his visit.

But he is not about to make an issue out of it.

He is taking everything in stride, occasionally using his dry wit to lighten things up.

In Beijing, he helped paint the eyes on a Union Jack-decorated sheep - it is the Chinese year of the sheep.

He also took as a gift a painting given by a ten-year-old boy, adding that the piece "will look nice in his son George's bedroom."

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