Washington, Sunday

PRINCE Charles headed south today to wrap up a private US visit and

embark on a tour of Mexico at the invitation of President Carlos Salinas

de Gortari.

The US tour, which began on Friday, is the Prince's first overseas

foray since the official break-up of his 12-year marriage to the

Princess of Wales.

With the couple formally estranged since December, the Prince was back

in bachelor mode and travelling alone on Valentine's Day.

He left the US capital in mid-morning to fly to a lunch in Houston,

Texas, with people connected to the Prince's Trust, a charity he

founded.

From there, the 44-year-old Prince headed in mid-afternoon to Mexico

for an offical four-day visit.

In a welcome respite from his troubles at home, the Prince divided his

time in the United States among some pet themes: discussing architecture

with experts, dining with fellow environmentalists and speaking about

the perils of the modern world at one of the oldest colleges in the

United States.

The three-day US trip was largely private, capped by dinner yesterday

with President Bill Clinton, his wife Hillary, Vice President Al Gore

and his wife Tipper.--Reuter.