Prince Charles launched his official Internet site on Tuesday, where visitors can surf through details of his life and issues important to him as well as send him email.

The 354-page site - http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk - is divided into several sections on the life of the prince, who celebrates his 50th birthday tomorrow.

Those who log on will find photos, archives containing articles and speeches he has presented since 1968, information about his official duties and subjects close to his heart.

People will also be able to send email to the prince via an intermediary, Forum Online.

"This site provides us with a powerful way of getting across - in an unfiltered way - information about the prince, to people across the world," the prince's private secretary, Mr Stephen Lamport, said.

"We hope it will help people to understand the Prince of Wales' work," he added.