ROYAL father-to-be Prince Edward let it slip that he is preparing for some sleepless nights when his wife gives birth later this year.

On his first visit to the Isle of Wight, the prince told mother Sharon Jones: "I will soon be a member of the frazzled club - I will be awake all night."

The Earl of Wessex made his remark as he left St Thomas' Church, Newport, where he learned of a conservation project to preserve the historic building that features windows donated by his great-great-great- grandmother, Queen Victoria.

A readiness to engage the public was a feature of his visit yesterday. During an inspection of hi-tech Newport composites company NEG Micon, the earl also shared a joke with finisher Daryl Ambrosini.

When the prince asked Daryl what he did previously, chirpy Daryl replied: "I used to work for your Mum - as a postman."

At the Apollo Theatre, he also made a special effort to chat to 94-year-old Barbara Turner, whose granddaughter Helen Reading played lead role in an excerpt - performed especially for the Earl - of the Apollo Players' current production, Dangerous Liaisons.

Commenting on his common touch, Liz Knowles, civic affairs manager said: "He was fantastic. He was keen to speak to everyone and his approachable nature was very much appreciated."

During his visit, the earl - minus wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, who pulled out of the visit after announcing she is expecting their first child - also visited Brading Roman Villa, and Newport Youth Club band at the Quay Arts Centre.