Prince Andrew said the US could learn a lot from Britain

Prince Andrew said the war had led to a "healthy scepticism" in Britain towards what was said in Washington.

The duke made the comments in an interview with the International Herald Tribune ahead of a 10-day trip to promote British business in the US.

He said the US should have learned lessons from British colonial history.

The duke, who is fourth in line to the throne, told the newspaper there was feeling in Britain of "why didn't anyone listen to what was said and the advice that was given?".

The fact is there is quite a lot of experience over here which is valid and should be listened to

The Duke of York

BBC royal correspondant Peter Hunt said it was unusual for a senior royal to so freely enter the diplomatic and political arena.

He said that while the wisdom of the prince's move may be questioned by some, his officials characterised the comments as a "thoughtful appraisal" of the situation which he stood by.

The prince emphasised the importance of British-American relations, but said there had been "occasions when people in the UK would wish that those in responsible positions in the US might listen and learn from our experiences".

"If you are looking at colonialism, if you are looking at operations on an international scale, if you are looking at understanding each other's culture, understanding how to operate in a military insurgency campaign - we have been through them all," he said.

"We've won some, lost some, drawn some. The fact is there is quite a lot of experience over here which is valid and should be listened to."

During the interview, the prince also said the 1982 Falklands War changed him "out of all recognition" and left him with a "different view of life".