1 JULY 2005 |
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Sporting Prince William put his rugby skills to the test on Friday as he joined the British and Irish Lions for a gruelling practice on the pitch.
Lions fans who'd gathered to watch their favourite squad train were thrilled to catch a glimpse of the 23-year-old royal working up a sweat in a team tracksuit as well. "I didn't know he was going to be here today," said rugby follower Katie Thelwell. "I was pretty gobsmacked."
Meanwhile, a big-hearted waitress at a local restaurant made sure the handsome Prince didn't leave empty-handed after he stopped in for a cup of hot chocolate.
"He was exceptionally charming, really lovely," said 32-year-old Catrina MacGregor, who gave the royal a New Zealand T-shirt. "He was standing up when his group left, and I gave him a hug."
The Prince, who is Down Under on a ten-day trip, also served up a perfect photo op during the stop, posing for snaps with some locals. |
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 | The Prince donned British and Irish Lions kit as he worked out with the team Down Under
Photo: © AFP
Click on photos for gallery |
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 | The day wasn't all about sport, however, as the Prince also planted a tree at Government House in Wellington. The official engagement was just one of several he'll be undertaking during the visit
Photo: © AFP |
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