opened the 55th annual Agricultural Exhibition yesterday.

Describing his stay on the Island as "all too brief'', the youngest son of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh thanked Bermudians for "the general hospitality, warmth and welcome'' he received while here.

"I've heard much from my family but this is the first opportunity I've had to sample Bermudian hospitality and friendliness first hand,'' he said. "I hope it won't be my last.

"I've been able to meet a great many Bermudians from a wide cross section,''he said. "My time here has been fun, rewarding and stimulating.'' The 28-year-old Prince went on to say he hoped Bermuda would remain a "staunch supporter and friend to the Commonwealth. It's appreciated and long may it continue.'' The Prince, a trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award International Association, arrived on Tuesday.

While here, he presented awards to 31 participants of the award scheme and visited different organisations in which the participants worked to gain points toward their awards.

His morning appearances began with stops at Verdmont and the Botanical Gardens, where he examined bluebird boxes. At the Bermuda High School for Girls, he was greeted by claps and cheers.

Miss Roma Kessaram, 15, and Miss Julie Irvine, 16, also of BHS, shared a few words with the Prince as they prepared their papier mache mural at St.

Brendan's Hospital.

"He was very friendly,'' they agreed. "He asked us how long we has worked here and the names of the patients working with us.'' At Hope Homes where Scheme participants from the Angle Street Centre painted and helped renovate the building, residents Mr. Delvacchio Robinson and Mr.

Seon Smith greeted the Prince with a huge banner, welcoming him inside.

The Prince arrived at the exhibition in the official landau with the Governor Sir Desmond Langley.

Lively performances in the show ring by the Bermuda Regiment and the United States 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing bands were enjoyed by the Prince and the many local dignitaries with whom he sat.

He was introduced to eager spectators, assembled with cameras in hand, by Minister of the Environment, the Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto. She praised entrants for the high quality of their various submissions.

"A great many amateur and professional growers must put in tremendous efforts all year 'round,'' she said.

Before leaving the show, the Prince visited the poultry and orchard exhibits where he chatted easily with those with whom he made contact apparently oblivious to the crowd which quickly swelled around him.

"The first thing I said was `Oh, it's the Prince','' said Miss Norma Jean Hassell whose hand was shaken by Prince Edward.

The Prince left the Island at 5 p.m. yesterday.

ROYAL ARRIVAL -- Prince Edward arrives in style at the Agricultural Exhibition yesterday in the Governor's landau.