PRINCE Philip is not expected at this year's Skandia Life Cowes Week breaking the royal connection with the regatta that dates back decades.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said the Duke of Edinburgh, who was previously one of the most keen competitors at Cowes, was not due to visit the Island during the yachting festival.

Prince Philip, now aged 80, gave up racing on the Solent a few years ago but until this year he was regularly seen at the Royal Yacht Squadron on the Cowes waterfront watching the competitions.

Over the years, many visitors to Cowes were surprised when they came face to face with the duke as he strolled between the yacht club and the nearby parish church to attend the regatta's traditional Sunday service.

He always visited the event in a private capacity, so although Cowes is not listed as part of his forthcoming official engagements many local people hope he might still make a surprise appearance this year.

Prince Philip attended the sailing festival for around 40 years, carrying on a connection with the Royal Family that can be traced back to 1830 when the Prince Regent gave his patronage to yachting.

At one time, Prince Charles also used to take part in the events at the regatta. The Princess Royal has also been a visitor, the last time in 1998.

There was a time when large crowds always gathered outside the Royal Yacht Squadron, especially on the night of the club's annual regatta ball, to catch a glimpse of members of the Royal Family, which occasionally also included Prince Edward and Princess Alexandra, as they came ashore from the Royal Yacht Britannia anchored in the harbour.

Last night, there was a glamorous start to this year's Skandia Life Cowes Week's social programme when, once again, members of the squadron, considered to be the most exclusive yacht club in the world, danced their way through to the early hours of this morning.

During the coming week, other clubs will also be holding annual balls, and there is a full social diary of receptions and cocktail parties.

A wide-ranging programme of less formal entertainment has been organised for every evening of the regatta.

There will be open-air pop concerts, a specially-constructed waterfront nightclub and next Friday night's famous firework display.