THERE was a Prime Minister, an ex-prime minister and a princess all in the ballroom of the Sofitel Beijing. And all three were treated like groupies, swarmed by hundreds of members of the Australian Olympic team who were thrilled to take souvenir photographs. The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, even went up to the former prime minister John Howard, shaking hands and saying hello, in the first meeting between the two since last year's election. Princess Mary of Denmark was also popular, shaking hands with star-struck swimmers, gymnasts and towering basketballers.

At one point Mr Rudd found an old Nambour High mate Linda Steinhardt, the mother of swimmer Melanie Schlanger.

"It was lovely, he went up to Melanie and wished her all the best," said Ms Steinhardt.

Mr Rudd said he was excited about tonight's opening ceremony. "I was talking to some of the Chinese about it and they're all pumped. The Australian team's all pumped. It's great."

Princess Mary, who met her Crown Prince Frederik at the Sydney Olympics, said she had divided loyalties. "I'm sure it's going to be quite a spectacular affair. If the Danes are not competing directly with the Australians, then my heart will be with the Australians."

Prince Frederik said the Danish team was top of his priority list but he too, was abuzz with all the excitement.

"I am being sucked into the atmosphere. The focus, the attention, the joy of the athletes in particular," he said.