Keys to the palace

Prince Harry turns 18 on Sunday and will no doubt be looking forward to the new freedoms his age will bring him, although such things are never straightforward for a prince of the realm.

Of course, the prince has already been a well-publicised pub visitor (he was something of a patron of the Rattlebone inn in Highgrove before the tabloids found out), but at least he will now be able to go to them without it causing such a fuss - especially if he stays away from the wacky backy.

Interestingly, from Sunday onwards Prince Harry could technically vote in a general election, as it is only direct heirs to the throne - ie the Prince of Wales and Prince William - who are specifically banned, not every heir.

He won't vote, however, as to do so would cause a huge constitutional crisis and he is probably far more interested in following his passions for rugby and polo. But then again, you know how earnest about politics some students can get.

As well as being legally allowed to drink in pubs, Prince Harry will be able to gamble. William Hill give odds of 33-1 that he will be king one day. He could also back his favourite football team, Arsenal, to retain the Premiership title, but he won't get such high odds for that one.

One thing he cannot do is marry without his parents' consent - a right any other new 18-year-old gains - because under an 18th-century law, he needs the queen's consent. He could have another go at 25 and only defy her, after 12 months, if both chambers of parliament agreed. Again, it is probably not worth the hassle, but Prince Harry girlfriends be warned: you are going to have to impress granny if you have half an eye on a big day at St Paul's.

His financial assets are also unlikely to allow him to be able to claim the dole - for which you need a low income. Rest assured, though, Prince Harry, you will be able to get the minimum wage of £3.50 an hour when you are 18 - a relief in case you need to get a job stacking shelves to help pay for your studies.

You will also be able to get credit and own land in your own name. Rule changes mean Prince Harry won't get any money from the civil list to set up his own abode, but he will be getting plenty of money in an allowance from Prince Charles, and a trust fund established for him by the Princess of Wales.

He will be able to watch 18-certificate movies, but the classifications have never really stopped him before. In 1997, when he was 12, his mother took him to see a 15-rated film, The Devil's Own, which portrayed the IRA in a glamorous light.

Other things he could do are donate his organs, make a will, hold shares in his own name, join the forces and leave home without parental consent. He could also take inspiration from the somewhat counterculture leanings of his cousin Zara, who had her tongue pierced. From 18, he will be able to get a tattoo - one of his new coat of arms, perhaps.

But the best thing? He will now be able to go on Club 18-30 holidays. I bet he just can't wait.