Harry meets young Olympic hopefuls

Britain's Prince Harry turned on the charm offensive for what could be the country's future Olympians.

The young royal showed his playful side while posing for a portrait with stars of the recent School Olympics.

Held in May, the School Olympics saw 1,600 elite young athletes gather in London to compete in events designed for both able-bodied and disabled young people.

The prince was accompanied by Britain's Media, Sport and Culture Minister Jeremy Hunt.

Hunt referred to Harry's grandmother the Queen as a "Bond girl", for her skit during the Opening Ceremony, but Harry couldn't help but chuckle when Hunt referred to the smooth London transport system.

SOUNDBITE: British Secretary Of State For Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport Jeremy Hunt, saying (English):

"Isn't the Olympics going terrifically well, don't you think ladies and gentlemen, it's been absolutely amazing. The transport system has been immaculate (CAMERA PANS TO PRINCE HARRY WHO IS CHUCKLING) none of us of course had any doubts about that, we've got a new Bond girl in the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics (referring to the Queen)."

Harry also offered a joke at Hunt's expense, referring to a pre-Games gaffe in which Hunt broke a bell while declaring that it was hard to avoid hitches in an event like the Olympics.

SOUNDBITE: Britain's Prince Harry, saying (English):

"Because of your achievements you have become role models. Not just for your friends at school, but for the whole next generation of British athletes. I urge you to pick up the torch, or in Jeremy's case, the bell (LAUGHTER ERUPTS IN BACKGROUND) and I expect to see your faces again when you stand on the podium at Rio and beyond."

The royals have been out in force during the Games, watching the tennis, gymnastics and equestrian where Harry's cousin Zara Phillips won a silver medal.

Harry is set to watch more games at the Olympics, including the popular beach volleyball.

Cindy Martin, Reuters