PRINCE William has given Hereford cider giants Bulmers a boost by confessing his love for cider.

In a rare interview, given ahead of his 21st birthday on Saturday, June 21, the student prince said he was teaching himself Swahili - and admitted that beer was not to his taste.

"Everybody thinks I drink beer, but I actually like cider," he said. "I do think I'm a country boy at heart."

The backing of the popular future king could prove a welcome boost to the Hereford-based cider company.

Bulmers, which has held the Royal Warrant since 1911, making it the official supplier of cider to the Queen, welcomed Prince William's revelation about his drinking habits.

The former family-run firm, which has recently experienced troubled times, and in April was bought out by brewing giant Scottish and Newcastle, said he was a good advert for the drink.

"It's a great boost for the industry because Prince William is regarded as one of the cooler members of the royal family," said Bulmers corporate affairs manager, Julian Todd.

"Cider has always been popular amongst students, and Strongbow is our best selling product in Scotland, where he is studying."

He added that cider was now seen as a sophisticated drink and that the Royal seal of approval would mean many more people would try the drink.

In the past the Prince has been spotted drinking Bulmers Traditional - cider's answer to real ale - rather than the firm's more famous product, Strongbow.