Duke to seal secret time capsule

In 2105, the public will discover the contents of the Duke's capsule

The Duke of Edinburgh is to seal a time capsule filled with secret items at Greenwich's Royal Observatory.

During his visit, the prince will also see how a £15m redevelopment at the south-east London site has progressed.

The contents of the capsule, related to history and aspirations, will remain a secret for 100 years when it will be opened and the objects put on display.

The Time and Space redevelopment, providing galleries and an education centre, is due to open in 2007.

Work on the state-of-the-art programme to replace the planetarium, open a science and astronomy education centre and provide better facilities for visitors began in January.

Broadcaster and appeal chairman Peter Snow, who will demonstrate a new solar telescope, described the project as one of the most adventurous undertakings in the 330-year history of the Royal Observatory.

"Our ambition is to create a spectacular new environment in which more and more people can appreciate the wonders of time and space," he said.

During his time in the Royal Navy, Prince Philip attended the Naval Staff College at Greenwich before he was appointed First Lieutenant of HMS Chequers in 1949.