Following his recent appearance at a Buckingham Palace bash in support of Britain's campaign to host the 2012 Olympics, Prince William is apparently being wooed by the Olympic committee.

Organiser Sebastian Coe reveals the sports-mad Prince is "extremely enthusiastic" about the bid. "We are holding private conversations," says the former Olympic medallist. "It is vital for the success of the bid that all generations are involved and having Prince William on board would be fantastic in terms of enthusing young people."

According to Clarence House, however, William's current priority is his studies. "Until he completes his education, he is not in a position to consider any sort of official role with the campaign," said a spokesman.

Meanwhile, Wills' royal cousin, Zara Phillips, who was hoping for an Olympic foray before her horse suffered fitness problems, was enjoying a sporting victory of her own. Princess Anne's daughter picked up a trophy after her team won the Horse and Hound challenge match at Beaufort Polo Club.

The striking blonde also made headlines at the weekend as she spoke of her "normal" upbringing and a "more relaxed atmosphere" in the Royal Family. In a rare interview broadcast on Channel 5, Zara said: "Hopefully people are coming to realise that there is a far more relaxed atmosphere in the Royal Family that people never thought was there. It's just trying to get people to understand that, I think."

She also cast light on the warmth of her relationship with Princes William and Harry. While admitting she may occasionally have gone too far in "taking the mickey" out of them in the past, she says: "I get on really well with both of them, they only live down the road and we do a lot of things together - and now they're bigger than me. Pay back."