Duke of Edinburgh visits site of 2012 London Olympics

Image caption, The Duke (second left) seemed "very impressed" on his visit, Lord Coe said

The Duke of Edinburgh has visited the Olympic Park in east London.

He asked about the engineering challenges in building the site and how athletes will be treated at the Games, London 2012 chairman Lord Coe said.

"He has a very broad understanding of sport and the nature and complexity of putting an Olympic Games together," said the peer and former athlete.

The Duke had surgery on his hand on Monday, having suffered a nerve injury caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.

He pulled out of a visit to Cheshire with the Queen on Thursday.

The Duke was shown the Olympic Stadium's western stand, where members of the Royal family will sit during the Games, along with other VIPs and members of the International Olympic Committee.

And he saw the wave-like roof of the aquatics centre, where workers are currently working on timber-cladding for the ceiling.

Image caption, The main stadium and the aquatics centre were inspected by the Duke

Lord Coe said the Duke appeared to be "very impressed by the way we have put athletes and competitors centre stage".

And John Armitt, chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority, said there were "constant questions" from the Duke on the technical aspects of the construction work.

"Prince Philip was also interested in some of the media issues, and about the smaller sports getting coverage," he added.

The Duke's daughter, the Princess Royal, is also involved in planning for the Olympics, as a member of the board of London 2012.

And his granddaughter Zara Phillips is expected to be competing for a place on the British equestrian team.