Among the facilities he due to visit are the University of British Columbia's (UBC) new C$38.5-million (£21.7 million) Thunderbird Hockey Arena, which will host ice hockey during the Olympics and sledge hockey during the Paralympics.

 

It is part of a two-day visit by Prince Edward to Vancouver and Victoria Thursday and Friday.

 

Next Thursday at noon he wil  go to UBC to take in a sledge hockey practice by members of the Canadian Paralympic team.

 

A spokesman for Vancouver 2010 said: "It's an opportunity on the ice forthe prince to meet some of the players."

 

On Friday, Prince Edward will take part in a Canadian flag and naval mast dedication ceremony will take place at Prospect Point in Stanley Park.

 

The ceremony will launch the Canadian Navy Pacific coast centennial celebrations, which will continue into the Navy’s centennial year of 2010.

 

Prince Edward, who has a keen interest in the Paralympics, was last in Vancouver three years ago and raised the Paralympic flag at Vancouver city hall.

 

As reported on insidethegames last month, the Queen is expected to open the Olympics in Vancouver next year, becoming the first Head of State to open the Games twice.