LONDON -- The United States could have avoided some of the problems it is experiencing in Iraq if it had listened to Britain's advice and learned from its experiences, Prince Andrew said in comments published Tuesday -- a rare airing of political opinion by a senior member of the royal family.

Andrew, 47, said the invasion and its aftermath had created a "healthy skepticism" in Britain about what was said in Washington and led many to ask, "Why didn't anyone listen to what was said and the advice that was given?"

The second son of Queen Elizabeth II, who is fourth in line to the throne, said the United States was Britain's chief ally. But, he added, there were "occasions when people in the U.K. would wish that those in responsible positions in the U.S. might listen and learn from our experiences."

He said Britain's history as an imperial power meant that it had valuable experience to share.