(ATR) The Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, says the mood in London for the Games will be "electric, ecstatic and amazing."
Prince William and his wife Kate were among the star guests attending the Team GB fundraising Gala last night at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
The Prince addressed the audience made up of athletes, sporting figures and media – along with LOCOG chief Sebastian Coe and Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt - in an evening that featured performances from high-profile British artists.
"Naturally I was asked to compete for Team GB in every sport, but sadly Lord Coe said there were London pigeons with more athletic prowess than me," he said.
"Anyway, to adapt a famous phrase from Sir Steve Redgrave, if you see me in a pair of Speedos by the swimming pool during the Olympics, shoot me."
He said he could only imagine how it would feel to compete in the Games and said to the British athletes gearing up for the summer.
"For the athletes of our greatest team, these Games mark the pinnacle of your sporting careers," he said.
"I can only imagine it, competing at home in front of your countrymen and women, with the eyes of the entire world upon you. A dream come true."
"Glory awaits you."
"For all of us mere mortals, and I include my brother, who still drones on about beating Usain Bolt - which never counted because it was a false start - this is a lifetime opportunity."
With just over two months to go until the Games, the British Olympic Association is trying to garner as much support as possible so that GB can win more medals than they have ever won before.
The Duke also said that London should take "huge pride" in becoming the only city to host the Olympics three times.
"We will witness an exceptional moment in our island history. The mood in London will be electric, ecstatic and amazing. I simply can't wait."
"The values celebrated by the Olympic and Paralympic Games - friendship, excellence, respect, equality, courage, determination, inspiration - resonate across every walk of life, and in every circumstance," he said.
"These Games remind us of the power of the human spirit and human endeavor. You, our Olympians and Paralympians, will inspire people up and down this country, and far beyond its borders."
William and Kate along with Prince Harry will welcome the Olympic Torch to Buckingham Palace on July 26 the day before the opening ceremony of the Games.
Reported by Christian Radnedge
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