Just hours ahead of the London opening ceremony, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry have showed off their Olympic spirit by launching a new sports coaching initiative.

The young royals visited Bacon's College in Rotherhithe, London, to launch Coach Core, a sports projects set up in recognition of London hosting the Olympics.

During their visit, the trio whose charitable foundation is supporting the initiative, took part in games and chatted to aspiring athletes.

They also watched on as young trainers put more than 100 students through their paces in basketball, five-a-side football and table tennis.

Prince Harry took part in the basketball, William football and Kate table tennis - as well as watching the martial arts. On the football pitch William sweated in the heat as he kicked a ball, dribbled it through some cones and then wildly mis-timed a shot at goal.

The Coach Core programme, which is being piloted by the organisation Greenhouse, will train 16 to 19-year-olds to become qualified coaches and mentors for their schools and communities.

While the Duchess opted for a grey and white summer dress for the occasion that costs £35 ($56) from the high street chain sotre Hobbs, the princes dressed down in white open-necked shirts and chinos.

Later the royals, who are Official Olympic Ambassadors, will welcome The Olympic flame at Buckingham Palace

A palace spokesperson told the Telegraph : "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry have been tremendously excited about the Olympics for a long time and want to throw themselves in to the Games and help out as much as they can.

IBTimes UK has a look at how the Royal's in action.

Harry, William and Kate motivate and share their experiences with young athletes.

Kate smiles supportively as her husband William prepares to showcase one of his hidden talents

While it would go against convention for a member of the Royal Family to light the flame, Prince William is an ambassador for the British Olympic Association, and is expected to attend several Olympic events including the eventing competition at Greenwich Park where his cousin Zara Phillips will be going for gold.

"I wonder who will be the one to light the Olympic flame? I'm thinking Prince William or Harry would be great for the UK ." - Sian Phillips/Twitter

The Duchess of Cambridge also let out her athletic side during a game of table tennis

The Duchess of Cambridge schools Prince William on football control

William impresses the crowd with his football skills

Kate chose a £35 dress from Hobbs for the event organised to mark the Olympic Games.