With the 2012 Olympics just around the corner, Palace officials have announced that Kate Middleton will join Princes William and Harry as official London ambassadors for the upcoming Games.

As ambassadors, the Royal trio will tour the country with athletes raising awareness of the Games and in particular highlighting the role of the Paralympic Games.

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In a statement, William said: "Catherine, Harry and I are honoured to be ambassadors for Team GB and Paralympics GB. We are hugely looking forward to this incredible sporting competition, but are also looking beyond next summer's Games to the springboard it will provide for future success."

The decision follows a long history of interest in sport by the Royal Family. In her university years, the Duchess of Cambridge took part in many sports including netball, hockey, rowing and tennis. Likewise, William has been an avid fan and player of a variety of sports such as cross-country running, rugby, football and hockey. He was also elected as President of the English Football Association in 2006.

His brother Harry is a passionate polo player, playing throughout the summer to raise money for his charity, Sentebale, which helps orphans in Lesotho.

The British Paralympic Association's chief executive, Tim Hollingsworth, said: "The Paralympic Games are coming home in 2012 and we want to use this opportunity to raise the profile of Paralympic sport in this country and ensure that the nation takes British Paralympians to their hearts."

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The Olympic Games run from July 27 to August 12 next year, with the Paralympics going from August 29 to September 9. The upcoming Games will be the third time that London has hosted the Olympics, a record for one city. It also hosted in 1908 and 1948.

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