PRINCE William's revelation that he's a cider-drinker might seem innocuous to most.

But, coming from a family more accustomed to seeing its fair share of Dubonnet being despatched, it's an encouraging departure - and one that might warm hearts among those who stand on the Royal side of the Monarchy debate.

Long before her death, his mother was known as the People's Princess.

It was a well-deserved tag, precisely placed and consistently affirmed by her ability to cut through stuffy tradition and relate to ordinary folk on their own level, whatever their circumstances.

In the days immediately after her death, like many, we offered the hope that her spirit would live on in her sons.

In truth, it was a wish born of grief at what had been lost, rather than a reassuring certainty that the young Princes were shaping up to continue that special rapport.

Today, five years after her death, the nation's been given its biggest hint that our future King is, indeed, as close to a man of the people as it's possible for him to be.

He's spoken of his relief that summer beckons after his university exams - and revealed he's teaching himself Swahili.

He's mad on water polo and rugby, and he admits to being carried away shopping for food at his local supermarket.

And the right Royal bedroom must have a sound system and drapes on the walls.

In other words, the most ordinary of men the Royal Family has produced.