PRINCE Harry has taken up residence in a loft conversion with the Queen's full approval.

This royal, however, is of the feathered variety and shares his digs with 399 other pigeons. The monarch sanctioned the bird's arrival after pigeon fancier schoolboy Harry Taylor, an Evesham and District Flying Club member, wrote to her.

The teenager asked the Queen if she would lend him one of the royal pigeons kept at Sandringham.

Harry, aged 13, said: "I was quite shocked when I got a reply telling me I could have a pigeon. Prince Harry looks exactly the same as the other birds apart from a special royal ring on his leg."

The Chipping Campden High School student first became interested in pigeon racing last year. He added: "I had a stray pigeon who flew into the garden last summer. My interest has grown from there and I now belong to the Evesham and District Flying Club."

Harry plans to race his birds for the first time later this year. The pigeons are housed in a 19 feet loft at the bottom of the teenager's garden, in Weston-on-Avon.

Harry's mother, Lesley, said: "I think it is wonderful that he is taking an interest in what is a dying sport."

Keith Langston, secretary of the Evesham and District Flying Club, said: "We are crying out for younger people so we were surprised when Harry decided to join.

"Pigeon racing is a great hobby to be involved in."

Anyone interested in joining the club can contact Mr Langston on 01789 772360.