Prince William working at remote area in southern Chile

Five days after his arrival, the prince appears having already succeeded in achieving one stated goal of his trip _ being left alone by the media. The British Embassy on Thursday called upon the Chilean press to continue "to respect the privacy of Prince William," and offered a photo session in exchange. No date was set.

The son of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana is staying at a sprawling, wind-swept farm named El Verdin near Coihaique, 1,700 kilometers (1,062 miles) south of Santiago. Security is tight and the prince has not been seen by the media.

William's work will include participating with about 100 other volunteers in the construction of a house to be used as home for the elderly and a building for the local fire department. Patricia Pavez, a spokeswoman for the volunteer mission, told The Associated Press that William is sleeping on a tent he pitched himself, "as all the other youth."

"He even has to cook for himself, "she said. "And this is not a joke."

Before leaving London, William appeared at a news conference with his father. He said he had raised 5,500 pounds (dlrs 8,000) for the trip himself and has also raised money to finance a boy from a less-privileged background. He said he did not know the boy, but that he expected to meet him in Chile.

(klei/sda)