BETTER late than never - that's what the Duke of York found when he had so much fun at a rural museum that he was late for an official lunch.

Prince Andrew touched down in Hutton-le-Hole, near Kirkbymoorside, and York yesterday, to bestow the royal seal of approval on the Ryedale Folk Museum and Yorkshire's top solicitors, respectively.

He spent more than an hour chatting to volunteers and local youngsters at the museum.

Curator Mike Benson guided him round the attraction and showed him its new art gallery.

Children from Terrington Church of England School showed the duke the threshing machine they have been restoring, and ten-year-old Harry Anker-Morfoot informed him that many workers had been killed by it.

"There's always something gory to find out with children," said an impressed duke.

He also met the longest-serving volunteer at the museum - 76-year-old Robin Butler - and the youngest, Charlotte Bramley, 17.

"Thank you for coming," said Robin. "You've made my day and you've made the museum's day."

Unveiling a plaque in the museum's gallery, Prince Andrew said: "I wish the museum every success and hope it continues to attract more and more visitors."

A few hours later, the delayed duke arrived in York to address the Yorkshire Union of Law Societies' biennial lunch at St William's College - which had already started before he eventually arrived.

Bewildered bystanders watched as the duke's late-running convoy swept up to the college doors.

Margaret Dale, of Walmgate, York, said: "I came into York for lunch, and by chance I saw the duke arrive and walk into St William's College. I have never seen anything happen so fast."

Updated: 11:00 Thursday, May 18, 2006