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The Prince spent about an hour at the Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club in Deal.

He was criticised by Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker for not using a cheaper form of travel.

He said the public would demand the resignation of any politician who spent taxpayers' money in this way.

The Prince made a short speech at the party about the history of the club, of which he is a patron, and left after about an hour, flying back to Windsor.

A spokesman for Prince Andrew said he would have missed the event if he had not used a helicopter because of his schedule that day.

The spokesman added that the cost of the helicopter had been sanctioned by the Royal Travel Office.

"If members of the Royal Family are to carry out engagements in various parts of the country, they do need the use of the helicopter," he said. "This was an entirely justifiable expense."