America got it wrong over Iraq, says Duke of York

Prince Andrew threatened to spark a diplomatic row today after launching an unprecedented attack on George Bush for ignoring British advice on the Iraq War.

The Duke of York, who served in the Falklands War, said the White House had failed to listen to advice on rebuilding Iraq after the 2003 invasion. His comments drew a frosty response from the US and marked a break from the protocol that the royal family does not meddle in politics.

He spoke in an interview with the International Herald Tribune on the eve of a 10-day mission to America as Britain's trade envoy. In a clear reference to post-war strategy in Iraq, he said there were "occasions when people in the UK would wish those in responsible positions in the US might listen and learn from our experiences".

He also said America could have drawn on Britain's "colonial" experience: "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.

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

The rebuilding of Iraq has been a contentious issue. Former defence secretary Geoff Hoon admitted last year he and Tony Blair had "lost the argument" with the US on how to restore order there. Britain disagreed with the decision to ban members of Saddam Hussein's Ba'ath party from key jobs and dismantle the Iraqi army. There was disquiet over the way Republican sympathisers, often with no experience, were given key roles in rebuilding programmes.

Buckingham Palace said the Prince's words had been reported accurately. "As the duke mentioned, he believes the US is our number one ally and friend. I don't believe the comments are particularly critical," a spokesman said.

But in Washington, Nile Gardiner, director of the Margaret Thatcher Centre at Right-wing think tank The Heritage Foundation, said it had been a "huge gaffe".

"Prince Andrew's knowledge of Iraq is close to zero and his comments are deeply unhelpful," he added. "These are not harmless, throwaway remarks ... they will cause offence at a time when servicemen are laying down their lives."

The US State Department tried to play down the comments. An official said: " Obviously we have great respect for the advice and experience of our UK allies. They were consulted about the full range of our actions both before and after the invasion."