Prince William to represent Queen on trip Down Under

In July Prince William let slip he would be paying a visit to New Zealand and Australia.

Now Clarence House has confirmed the future king will represent his grandmother for the first time on an overseas tour next year.

The 27-year-old will start off by opening the new Supreme Court building in Wellington as part of the three-day trip in January.

He will then move on to Sydney and Melbourne for two days, as he makes his first visit to Australia since 1983 when he travelled with his parents as a baby.

On the trip - which coincides with a break in William's RAF pilot training - Prince Charles' son will learn more about issues affecting Aborigines, and will also visit areas devastated by February's bush fires.

"Prince William will focus on his core interests of supporting servicemen and women, helping young people fulfil their potential, and sustainable development in the light of climate change," his spokesperson says.

Photo: © Rex