PARIS (AFP) - Britain's Prince Andrew, fourth in line to the throne and a declared fan of the United States, feels that post-invasion chaos in Iraq could have been avoided had the US Administration learnt from Britain's experience.

In an interview with the Paris-based International Herald Tribune, the 47-year-old prince described the United States as Britain's top ally but added that 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."

Before taking on a full-time role as a trade envoy for Britain, Andrew was in the Royal Navy for 22 years, serving as a helicopter pilot in the Falklands conflict.

Because of its imperial history, Britain had experienced much of what the US is going through in Iraq, the prince said.

"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 was quoted as saying.

"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."

The prince, who leaves Tuesday on a 10-day US trip to promote British business, said the fallout from Iraq had fuelled "healthy skepticism" 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."