The grey old Duke of York

By PAUL SIMS

Last updated at 08:01 29 September 2006


Once he was a golden boy. These days Prince Andrew is more salt and pepper.

Visiting an American whiskey distillery yesterday, the 46-year-old Duke of York was showing off a distinctly greying crop.

Perhaps the prince known as Air Miles Andy was feeling the strain after years of first-class flights, a non-stop tour of the world's best hotels and a stream of chauffeur-driven cars.

The prince, who only a year ago sported golden brown hair, was in Virginia as Britain's special representative for International Trade and Investment to open a reconstruction of an 18th century whiskey distillery.

After cutting the ribbon he was presented with a souvenir bottle of whiskey distilled on the estate grounds.

The prince asked if it was drinkable, adding: 'Not that I drink any of this stuff, but I will definitely have it … on use at home.'

His latest trip abroad comes as the prince fights off unfavourable comparisons with his hard-working sister the Princess Royal.

This month Andrew was scheduled to attend four official engagements.

Princess Anne, who carried out five in a single day, will have notched up 46 at the end of the month.

p. sims@dailymail.co.uk

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