ROYAL fever was mounting in Newport today as the city prepared to welcome the present and future Princes of Wales.

Prince William and his father were visiting Newport Action for Single Homeless (NASH) just outside the city centre, ahead of his 21st birthday on Saturday.

Before 6am barriers were being erected outside NASH on the corner of George Street and Lower Dock Street.

Crowds were expected to gather to catch a glimpse of the student prince on his arrival at the centre at 2pm.

"It's going to be a very popular visit, especially with it marking William's birthday," said a police spokesman.

Media interest in the visit has come from as far away as Japan and America, so a traffic island has been especially set aside for cameras.

Prince William's first stop in Wales was in North Wales at the Anglesey Food Fair. "He wanted to highlight the importance of two issues - rural communities and the homeless - and to visit Wales, seeing as one day he will be the Prince of Wales," said a St James's Palace spokeswoman.

William is being accompanied by his father because he wants to complete his formal education before carrying out solo royal duties.

He is half way through an MA (Master of Arts) degree at St Andrews University in Scotland.

The Queen has given permission for her heir and the second in line to the throne to fly in the same Royal Squadron passenger jet to Cardiff but she blocked the two princes flying together in a helicopter.

From Cardiff, the royal visitors are travelling by road to Newport to visit NASH where they will meet homeless people, and staff.

After viewing the computer, art and pottery rooms, Prince William and Prince Charles are due to visit the day centre's music area.

Prince William, although not necessarily his 54-year-old father, is likely to enjoy this final stop on the itinerary where there are DJ turntables, drum kits and the chance to do some "scratching" on the decks.