WELCOME to the royal home on wheels where two of the Queen's children pretended to be common people.

Prince Charles and Princess Anne are said to have spent many happy hours playing in a child-sized caravan that looks just like the real thing.

It was presented to the youngsters by the Caravan Club and enabled them to sample a pastime enjoyed by millions around the world.

Known as the Royal Caravan, the vehicle has gone on show at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, as part of the club's centenary celebrations. Its fully furnished interior includes a working sink, plenty of cupboard space and a pretend cooker.

A museum spokesman said: "It was originally presented along with a set of Beatrix Potter books and a copy of Captain Marryatt's novel Children of the New Forest, which was autographed by everyone who had worked on the caravan.

"It was refurbished at the time of the club's 75th anniversary in 1982 and represented to Princess Anne."

Built in 1955, the 6ft long caravan is only one-third the size of a regular one but is said to be fully roadworthy.

The white and cream-coloured vehicle was displayed at Buckingham Palace last month when the Duke of Edinburgh hosted a special garden party to mark the club's 100th anniversary.

The duke has been patron of the club since 1952 and invited 7,500 caravanners to the event, including former Bucks Fizz singer Cheryl Baker.

A club spokesman said the young Prince Charles and his sister spent a great deal of time in the Royal Caravan. "They used to play in it a lot," he said.

The vehicle will remain at Beaulieu until October, when it will take part in a motorhome show at the NEC in Birmingham.