Prince Charles' alley efforts recalls Mr Burns' comical bowling attempt

Prince Charles has shown that he is clearly not a man of the people with an awkward display at a US bowling alley.

The monarch was visiting the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington DC overnight when he tried his hand at the popular American sport.

"I haven't done this for a long time," Prince Charles admitted.

With the Duchess of Cornwall at his side and a retired service member showing the Crown Prince where to aim his ball, the first in line to the throne strode stiffly towards the line.

After taking a few backward steps the monarch slowly rolled the ball down the lane, collecting a few pins towards the back of the triangle shaped formation.

Despite eschewing the typically-mandatory bowling shoes and reminding us all of Mr Burns’ hilarious attempt at bowling on an episode of The Simpsons the 66-year-old did considerably better.

Retired US Air Force Staff Sergeant Bill Bowen, 80, said the retirement home's royal guest "did pretty good".

"I told him I was the worst bowler in this alley and he said 'no, I am.".

Prince Charles was on the second day of a US trip where he is promoting a number of causes including literacy, the arts and the environment.