Prince Philip marvelled at the high-tech projects shown to him during at visit to the University of Sussex - including a robot called Maggie.

Afterwards he joked with students about his own lack of technical know-how.

He said: "The one thing they never tell you about televisions is the one thing you need to know, and that's how to switch it on.

"You end up with the thing on the floor with a torch in your mouth and the instructions, trying to work it out."

The Duke of Edinburgh toured the Sussex Innovation Centre at the university's Falmer site with the University's Vice Chancellor, Professor Alasdair Smith.

The centre provides support for the creation and growth of new technology companies.

He also made an unscheduled stop at the offices of a web design company called Wise Monkeys at Unit 12.

Director Kevin Browning, said: "We knew he was visiting the building but we were not chosen to meet him so it was a bit surprising when he walked in.

"He joked we must be three wise monkeys because there are only three of us, not 12."

The Duke also listened to a presentation by Dr Adrian Thompson, a lecturer in artificial intelligence at the university.

Dr Thompson demonstrated the new breed of biologically-inspired robots including one which was designed to behave like an ant and had been nicknamed Maggie, after Professor Margaret Bowden, one of the founders of the project.

The Duke, who seemed slightly bemused by the creature, said: "It's a very jolly toy but what are you supposed to do with it?"

Dr Thompson explained the machine helped them study evolution.

The Duke rounded off his tour with a visit to the Meeting House, where he was greeted by members of the student body and student support services.