12 May 2012 Last updated at 07:03 ET

London 2012: William and Kate praise Olympics competitors

The Duchess of Cambridge dazzled in a teal dress by a British designer

British competitors in the Olympics and Paralympics will "inspire people", Prince William has said.

He was speaking to Olympians and Paralympians at a gala dinner at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday night.

The prince joked he had been asked to compete in every sport, but "sadly Lord Coe said there were London pigeons with more athletic prowess than me".

He was accompanied by the Duchess of Cambridge who wore a dress by British fashion designer Jenny Packham.

The audience at the Our Greatest Team Rises event watched a performance from dance group Spelbound, Britain's Got Talent 2010 winners.

London 2012 - One extraordinary year

• The BBC's home of 2012: Latest Olympic news, sport, culture, torch relay, video and audio

He said: "For all of us mere mortals, and I include my brother, who still drones on about beating Usain Bolt - which never counted because it was a false start - this is a lifetime opportunity.

"We will witness an exceptional moment in our island's history. The mood in London will be electric, ecstatic and amazing. I simply can't wait."

Among the acts performing in honour of the sportsmen and women at the event were Take That singer Gary Barlow, artist Will Young and singer Alfie Boe.

Lord Moynihan, chairman of the British Olympic Association, greeted William and Kate, before they met gold medal winners and Team GB ambassadors.

They included Sir Steve Redgrave, Dame Kelly Holmes and Denise Lewis.