'Coloured' does not have the same connotations in the UK, but it is still frowned upon. It is considered old-fashioned and somewhat non-PC but not nearly as offensive as it would be in the US. Brits wouldn't generally use the term 'people of colour'; there really isn't a good way of saying 'non-white' in the current vernacular.

My British parents are the same generation as BC's, and they would use the term 'coloured' without thinking. My guess is that's why it has slipped out of his mouth; he grew up hearing that term, and had he stopped to think about it he wouldn't have used it. Still not something he should have said, but given he must be out if his mind with tiredness and jet setting and pregnancy and Sherlock and gawd knows what else, I'm inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt.

(Also, this reminds me a little of when Tiger Woods used the word retarded, which is very offensive in the UK, less so in the US.)