The US administration should have listened and learned more from Britain's experiences in a bid to avoid the problems resulting from the Iraq war, the Duke of York said.

In an unusual move for a member of the Royal Family, Andrew criticised the Bush administration and said the consequences of the Iraq war had led to a "healthy scepticism" towards what was said in Washington and a feeling of "why didn't anyone listen to what was said and the advice that was given?".

The Prince, who is fourth in line to the throne, made the comments in an interview with the International Herald Tribune on the eve of a 10-day trip to the US to promote British business.

The 47-year-old prince said the US was Britain's number one ally but added there were "occasions when people in the UK would wish that those in responsible positions in the US might listen and learn from our experiences".

Andrew told the newspaper that because of its imperial history, Britain had experienced much of what the US was going through.

"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."

He said that British views had been sought, adding: "It's not as if we had been forcing that across the Atlantic."

Previously, former Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon had said that British views on Iraq were ignored in the decisions to outlaw the Baath Party and dissolve the Iraqi military.

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