Princes William and Harry launch Queen's Young Leaders Programme

Prince Harry, social media entrepreneur Jamal Edwards and the Duke of Cambridge, appearing in a royal Twitter selfie. Credit: PA Photo

Princes William and Harry made royal internet history when they appeared on a live question and answer session today to promote a new award for young people.

In the web chat with young adults from countries like Australia, South Africa, India and Jamaica William and his brother urged people taking a lead in their communities to have faith in their abilities.

The Duke of Cambridge (second left) and Prince Harry sit with Radio 1 DJ Gemma Cairney and social media entrepreneur Jamal Edwards. Credit: Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA Wire

The Duke said: "All I would say is believe in yourself - you've got a lot more to say then you think.

"There are plenty people out there who have an open mind and will listen and care.

"They will listen to you and they want to help and those are the kind of guys and girls you need to target - so always believe in yourselves, don't give up."

Watch the Hangout back below

A high tech media hub in the Palace - courtesy of Google and Twitter - was installed to allow the popular royal pair to launch the Queen's Young Leaders Programme.

The awards scheme has been set up by the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust in partnership with Comic Relief and the Royal Commonwealth Society, to honour 240 people aged 18 to 29 from all 53 Commonwealth countries.

Prince Harry (centre) poses with young leaders at Buckingham Palace in London during the launch of the Queen's Young Leaders Programme. Credit: PA Wire

The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry posed for a photo to encourage young leaders from across the Commonwealth to step forward and be recognised.

Pointing fingers at the next generation of role models the royal brothers and leading young entrepreneur Jamal Edwards were snapped by a Twitter mirror and the image tweeted across the globe.

Award winners will receive a tailored package of training, mentoring and networking, and be provided with a one-week residential programme in the UK during which they will receive their award.

The project aims to further strengthen the skills and confidence of the young leaders so they can return home and change the lives of those around them and inspire the next generation.

The Queen places great importance on the work of the Commonwealth - the voluntary association of 53 countries made up of 2.2 billion citizens.

The programme has been established by the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust and run in partnership with Comic Relief and the Royal Commonwealth Society.