Prince 'wants informal Australia visit'

Prince William has reportedly expressed a desire to keep his upcoming trip to Australia and New Zealand as "informal" as possible.

Speaking to The ABC, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said that the royal feels deeply for those affected by the recent natural disasters in the area and hopes to "get close" to the nation's people.

"[He wants] to really sit down and talk with some of the people that have been directly affected. And I think for some people that will be a shot in the arm for their morale," Bligh explained.

"He wants to be as informal as is reasonable - I don't think that's very easy when you're the prince - but he does want an opportunity to be pretty informal and get close to people."

William will head to the region later this month.