Prince William wants "no bowing and scraping" during New Zealand, Australia trip

Prince William surprised planners on his royal visit to Australia and New Zealand by telling them - "Just call me Will, mate."

The 27-year-old William wants absolutely "no bowing and scraping" during the five-day trip in January 2010.

William will stand in for the Queen's at the opening of New Zealand's Supreme Court in Wellington before he heads to Australia.

"The prince knows that there have to be some formalities. He's representing the Queen, after all," the Daily Star quoted an aide, as saying.

The aide added: "But he wants as little red-carpet fever as possible and absolutely no bowing and scraping."

Many palace aides believe the prince's approach will create a new respect for royalty.

Another aide said: "It is a sad fact that we've already lost the argument when it comes to the Prince of Wales.

"He's very unpopular and seen as some sort of throwback to the days of forelock tugging and colonialism."