Prince Philip said that where the popular Prince of Wales takes a romantic approach to things, he sees himself as a pragmatist.

But he told the Sunday Telegraph: "And because I don't see things as a romantic would, I'm unfeeling."

In an interview with Gyles Brandreth, a friend and longtime admirer, the duke suggests he is being punished for being outspoken.

'Negative' image

The 77-year-old says he is fed up with the way that "so much coverage is so unremittingly negative".

In October 1986 the Duke was reported as describing the Chinese as ''slit-eyed'' while on a royal trip, and similar incidents have made him wary of the British press on foreign visits.

"I know they'll wreck the thing if they possibly can," he said.

He also denied that he was unsympathetic to Diana, Princess of Wales as she settled in to the Royal Family.

'Duchess of York is odd'

"The impression the public have got is unfair," he says. "I've just got to live with it."

He also denies suggestions that he has been behind moves to ostracize the Duchess of York.

"I try to keep out of these things as much as possible," the duke said.

"Her behaviour was a bit odd. But I'm not vindictive. I don't see her because I don't see much point. But the children come and stay.