Prince William and Harry made history this afternoon by taking part in a live 'Google Hangout' for the launch of a new youth award from Buckingham Palace.

And the fun-loving young royals just couldn't resist the opportunity to pose for their first public selfie.

The brothers jokingly posed with internet entrepreneur Jamal Edwards, 23, on a 'Twitter Mirror' which was set up in the illustrious 1855 Room, converted to a digital hub for the day.

Peering into the lens the princes pointed their fingers in a 'Your Country Needs You!' style reminiscent of Lord Kitchener's war time poster.

The Queen's Young Leaders Programme, is a new initiative which aims to find future Commonwealth leaders.

60 young leaders will be selected from around the world every year for the next four years from the 53 Commonwealth countries as part of the youth scheme.

240 young people, who have changed their own lives as well as those of others, will receive the awards at Buckingham palace between 2015 and 2018.

Prince William and Prince Harry
Prince William and Prince Harry took part in the Google Hangout from Buckingham Palace. AFP / Getty Images

The two Princes met with some of the candidates for the awards via a hub set up in Buckingham Palace especially for the event.

They answered questions posed by five young leaders in the UK, India, Jamaica, South Africa and Australia via the Google + hangout, hosted by Radio 1 DJ Gemma Cairney.

Speaking at theevent, Prince William encouraged young people to believe in themselves, while Prince Harry spoke of how he was personally inspired by so many young leaders.

"'I have been fortunate to meet many amazing and inspirational young people in recent years," he said. "Each is unique in many ways, and yet they all hold the same belief, that they can, and will, improve the lives of those around them. Where others see challenges, they see opportunity!"

William added: "Believe in yourself - you have a lot more to say than you think"'

Other guests at the royal event included celebrities Jennifer Saunders, former Prime Minister John Major and friend to the princes, singer Joss Stone.

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.

Prince William Prince Harry