Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Harry Potter visit

FOR Ron, Hermione and Harry read Harry, Kate and William – as the Royals duel with wands during a crash course in the magical arts.

The Duchess of Cambridge tries out a magic wand on the set used to depict Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films. Picture: Reuters

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry stepped into the world of the teenage wizardduring a visit to open the Warner Bros studios in Leavesden, near Watford, following a £100 million expansion and refurbishment..

They launched a scholarship scheme for aspiring filmmakers, which will offer applicants up to £10,000 to cover course fees and is supported by Bafta and Warner Bros.

The sprawling site was the production home of all eight Harry Potter films, the James Bond movie Goldeneye, starring Pierce Brosnan, the first of the Star Wars prequel films and director Tim Burton’s gothic horror, Sleepy Hollow. It gives fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the Potter movies through props, costumes, scenery and special effects.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling was at the studios for the royal visit.

The duke and duchess were offered lessons in the art of wielding a wand. When Harry was asked to join them, he joked: “I’m not qualified.”

And when a studio guide handed out wands whose tips lit up, William joked: “This would be great for finding your keys.”

The royals were shown the costumes of Professor Dumbledore and Hagrid and a huge replica of Hogwarts Castle. They also spoke to two of the stars of the film series, Matthew Lewis and Bonnie Wright.

Before leaving the studios, the royals held a meeting of their Charities Forum in the Great Hall of Hogwarts.