Prins William down under

elmabruin · Royal lover

Prins William down under

elmabruin · Royal lover

LATEST NEWS
16.05.2005: Prince William is to visit New Zealand in July 2005.

Prince William has been invited by the British and Irish Lions rugby team to join them on their tour to New Zealand in July 2005.

While he is there, the Prince will also undertake two official engagements representing Her Majesty The Queen in Wellington and Auckland at events to commemorate the end of the Second World War.

The invitation to support the Lions came from Sir Clive Woodward, Head Coach of the touring party, and is for the Prince to spend time with them in the build-up to the second and third Tests against New Zealand, and attend both games.

Sir Clive said: "I am delighted that Prince William will be spending some time with us. It will be a great boost for the team as he is a great supporter of the game. He is going to be with the team for certain periods and it all adds to the sense of occasion around these key Tests."

Prince William, who is currently studying for his final examinations at St Andrew's University, will join the Lions squad for the second and third Test matches in Wellington and Auckland, at the beginning of July.

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Prins William op tournee met Britse rugbyploeg

De Britse prins William zal binnenkort een van zijn levensdromen kunnen vervullen. Hij werd uitgenodigd om de "British Lions", de Britse rugbyploeg, te vergezellen op hun tournee door Nieuw-Zeeland.

De troonopvolger zal in juni eerst de eindexamens van de universiteit van Saint Andrew's in Schotland afwerken, waarna hij zich bij het team zal voegen. Hij zal ook een handje toesteken tijdens de trainingen, zo vertelde een woordvoerder. "Sir Clive (de manager van de Lions, die prins William uitnodigde) heeft al iets in petto voor William, die zijn handen graag uit de mouwen wilt steken

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Wills is His Royal Tryness

prince william

On the ball ... Wills in action
Picture: DAVID DAVIES/PA

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By DUNCAN LARCOMBE
Royal Reporter

SPORTY Prince William showed the struggling British Lions how it’s done yesterday — as he joined their training.

The hunky Royal showed his passing and kicking skills to England fly-half Charlie Hodgson.

He then backed their bid to beat the New Zealand All Blacks today, saying: “As one of the thousands of British Lions fans, I would like to wish the team all the best.”

prince william

On the thrown ... William's slick ball-handling

Wills then sank pints of beer and played pool with Lions fans in a bar. Fan Sam Edmonds said: “William mixed in with everyone. He and his mate took on the people who were on the pool table.”

prince william

Joker in the pack ... laughing with star Hodgson

The 23-year-old prince, on an 11-day visit, mingled with fans for an hour at the Loaded Hog bar in Wellington. He was also spotted in a cafe as girls outside yelled: “I’m free.”

prince william

In the heir ... Prince set to take catch

He later hosted a dance at Government House, turning down offers of a twirl by saying he had to be “horrendously drunk” first.

william prince

Cushy ... playing pool in bar

Guest Melanie Pero, 21, said: “We all got a hug though.”

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1 JULY 2005

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.

The Prince donned British and Irish Lions kit as he worked out with the team Down Under

Lions fans who had come to see the squad train got a bonus when the royal showed up for practice. "I was pretty gobsmacked," said one onlooker

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

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latest NEws
Prince William with the Governor General of New Zealand, Dame Silvia Cartwright, at Government House, Wellington, New Zealand.

Prince William has begun his visit to New Zealand by training with the British and Irish Lions rugby team and maintaining a royal tradition of planting a tree in the gardens at Government House, Wellington.

William is in New Zealand at the invitation of Sir Clive Woodward, the British and Irish Lions coach, to train with the team and watch the second and third test matches against New Zealand All Blacks.

He will also carry out his first solo engagements, representing The Queen, by attending ceremonies in Wellington and Auckland to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II.

William was greeted by Governor General Dame Silvia Cartwright at Government House in Wellington before planting a native New Zealand tree in the immaculate garden.

He positioned the Golden Totara into a ready-made hole and shovelled two spadefuls of dirt around the roots.

“Shall I keep going?” William asked head gardener Rebecca Hudson-Boyd, adding: “I’m quite keen to get my hands dirty.”

Pointing to the borders, he said: “Shall I weed the whole bed?” The Prince of Wales planted a tree of the same species on the edge of the same immaculate lawn in April 1981.

William inspected the tree, now four metres tall, asking the Governor General: “When did Papa plant that one?”

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, William’s grandparents, planted two New Zealand Blue Atlas Cedars in the grounds in 1954.

Later in the day, Prince William joined a training session with the Lions team receiving top tips on his kicking style by Johnny Wilkinson’s kicking coach Dave Alred and England fly half Charlie Hodgson at the Basin Reserve ground in the capital Wellington.

The Prince, in a red and blue Lions team tracksuit, practised kicking out of his hands across the pitch and also into a net, swinging his leg high in the air.

Dave Alred said William was taught some of the techniques and processes that a fly half would go through when preparing for a game.

“I am sure that he has got a better understanding of the work put in by the likes of Charlie and the other kickers,” he added.

At a Lions press conference, Head Coach Sir Clive Woodward, who invited William to join the team on tour, welcomed his visit.

“I'm delighted he's here. It's great for the sport, great for New Zealand and great for the Lions.”

Ahead of the crucial Second Test on Saturday, William showed his support for the squad, who have already lost the first match.

In a statement issued by Clarence House, he said: “As one of the thousands of Lions supporters here, I'd just like to wish the team all the very best.”

In July 2005, Prince William visited New Zealand at the invitation of British and Irish Lions coach, Sir Clive Woodward. He will spend time with the team on the training ground and conduct some engagements on behalf of The Queen.

Prince William meets members of the Lions team at their hotel in Wellington. He is pictured with Will Greenwood and Gordon Bulloch. Standing next to the players, William joked "I have to try and make myself look bigger!"

July 2005

Prince William meets members of the Lions team at their hotel in Wellington. He is pictured with Will Greenwood and Gordon Bulloch. Standing next to the players, William joked "I have to try and make myself look bigger!"

Prince William shares a joke with Governor General of New Zealand Dame Silvia Cartwright, in the gardens at Government House, Wellington.

July 2005

Prince William shares a joke with Governor General of New Zealand Dame Silvia Cartwright, in the gardens at Government House, Wellington.

July 2005

William planted an indigenous tree in the garden of Goernment House Wellington to mark his visit.

Speaking to head gardener Rebecca Hudson-Boyd, he said "Shall I keep going? I’m quite keen to get my hands dirty.”

Pointing to the borders, he said: “Shall I weed the whole bed?”

The Prince of Wales planted an identical species on the edge of the same immaculate lawn in April 1981. Governor General Dame Silvia Cartwright showed him the tree which is now four metres tall.

William joins a training session with Dave Alred and fly half Charlie Hodgson at the Basin Reserve Ground in Wellington.

July 2005

William joins a training session with kicking coach Dave Alred and fly half Charlie Hodgson at the Basin Reserve Ground in Wellington.

Prince William catches a ball during a training session with the British and Irish Lions in Wellington.

July 2005

Prince William catches a ball during a training session with the British and Irish Lions in Wellington.

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William enjoys Lions training day

Prince William trains with the Lions
Prince William practised his kicking with Charlie HodgsonPrince William has trained with the British and Irish Lions rugby union touring side in New Zealand.

The prince, 23, is carrying out his first solo engagements during his 10-day visit to the region.

William practised his kicking with fly-half Charlie Hodgson and coach Dave Alred at the Basin Reserve ground in the capital, Wellington.

The prince donned a red and blue Lions team tracksuit and kicked out of his hands as well as into a net.

He was coached by Alred, who helps Jonny Wilkinson hone his technique.

Hodgson described William as a "very down-to-earth bloke".

We soon settled into the normal routine, like any other session

Charlie Hodgson
Lions' fly-half

Pictures of William's tour

"I enjoyed the session, I was bit nervous at first with all the media there. You know that you get similar numbers at a game but you don't notice them because of the crowd.

"But we soon settled into the normal routine, like any other session.

"William was a very down-to-earth bloke, whose skill and accuracy improved as the session progressed."

The prince also attended a tree-planting ceremony.

William laughed and joked with the press pack.

He asked one photographer: "How many of these have you seen, a few hundred?"

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William arrives for NZ Lions tour

BBC NEWS:VIDEO AND AUDIO See Prince William arrive in New Zealand

Prince William and Clive Woodward
Prince William met coach Clive Woodward at the team's hotelPrince William has arrived in New Zealand to join the British and Irish Lions on their rugby tour.

The prince, dressed in a suit and tie, was met at Wellington airport by New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark.

The prince was greeted by around 150 well-wishers. He will join Lions training sessions and see their second and third tests against the All Blacks.

Prince William, 23, will also carry out his first solo engagements during his 10-day visit to the region.

The prince, who is second in line to the throne, will represent the Queen at ceremonies in Wellington and Auckland to mark the anniversary of the end of World War II.

Jokes

William met Will Greenwood, Brian O'Driscoll, Gareth Thomas and Gordon Bulloch - who represented each of the four Lions international teams - in the lobby of the squad's hotel in Wellington.

Prince William (third from left) talks with British and Irish Lions coach, Sir Clive Woodward (Left) and squad members Will Greenwood, Gordon Bulloch, Gareth Thomas and Brian O'Driscoll
William joked with squad members during a photocall

The 6ft 3in prince, who is accustomed to being larger than most people, jokingly attempted to make himself appear more muscular when he stood next to the sturdy rugby players during a brief photocall.

He told onlookers: "I've got to look bigger," while laughing, raising his shoulders near his ears and nodding towards England centre Greenwood on his right.

The prince joined the players for a team lunch ahead of a training session with them on Friday.

'Privilege and an honour'

Scottish captain Bulloch said the Lions were glad to have Williams' support.

"Hopefully he'll come out and kick a ball about. He's meant to be quite good," the hooker said.

The prince, who graduated from St Andrews university last week, said earlier it would be a "privilege and an honour" to meet some of New Zealand's war veterans.

He also said he was excited about seeing the rugby as well as New Zealand's famous scenery.

"As a huge rugby fan, I cannot think of a better place to watch what will hopefully be a hard-fought and exciting Test series," he said.

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Prince William Attends Tree Planting Ceremony

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Prince William trains with the British and Irish Lions

Prince William At Lions Training Session

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Prince William Arrives At Lions V All Blacks

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Prince William honours war dead

See Prince WilliamPrince William has attended a ceremony to remember New Zealand's war dead.

The prince, 23, laid a poppy wreath to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II at a gathering of veterans in Wellington.

William has trained with the British and Irish Lions and watched one of their matches while on his 10-day tour.

The trip marks the start of a new phase with his first solo engagements, and the prince continued to demonstrate a more informal style than other royals.

The prince spoke to 28 veterans at the event, asking each one where they had served.

And during the walkabout he gave one woman a "high-five" as well as shaking hands with people as is the norm.

But the prince stood solemnly, with head bowed, before the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

He put the wreath in front of a statue of a mother and two children, representing the families that the soldiers had fought to protect.

Eight guards of honour including two Maoris in tribal cloaks and flax Piupiu skirts attended the ceremony.

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Prince William Attends Wreath Laying Ceremony

Prince William shakes hands with a girl

Prince William greets members of the pub

Prince William receives a flower from a

Prince William greets members of the pub

Prince William Attends Wreath Laying Ceremony

elmabruin · Royal lover

Prince William in flight drama in NZ
(Filed: 06/07/2005)

In pictures: Prince William in New Zealand

Prince William was caught up in a mid-air drama after a plane carrying him made two aborted attempts to land in poor weather.

Passengers leave the plane after it was diverted to Christchurch

The Air New Zealand flight to Invercargill was diverted to Christchurch due to poor visibility and low cloud.

The pilot told passengers that he "wouldn't have seen the runway until we were about to hit it".

A spokesman for the Prince said William was "completely relaxed" with the aircraft and thought he was "in good hands".

Pilot Jeff Lynton told William and the other 65 people on board the twin engine ATR-72 that he had been unable to spot the runway as the plane made its approach.

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, sorry about that. We made two approaches. We did the best we could," he said.

"We wouldn't have even seen the runway until we were about to hit it. We had two goes for you."

Second in line to the throne, William looked unperturbed as he sat at the back next to friend Thomas van Straubezee.

Mr Lynton said afterwards: "I wanted to get the boy down. He's got things to do. I've only had this once before and I've been flying for five years. It was an absolute oncer. It just had to happen on this day of all days."

William was due to visit schoolchildren in Queenstown, near Invercargill.

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PICTURE SPECIAL

Volley good show, Wills

From DUNCAN LARCOMBE
Royal Reporter in New Zealand

PRINCE William showed off his sporting skills yesterday by having a game of volleyball with a delighted group of lads.

The 23-year-old - an accomplished water polo and polo player - took off his jacket to join in the fun during a visit to Christchurch Boys’ High School in New Zealand.

He even scored a point with a difficult “reverse dig”.

The visit took place before news reached him of the atrocities in London.

Despite his skill, William was not so impressed by his five-minute appearance on court.

Net gain ... Wills scores a point with a 'reverse dig'

He joked: "It’s all falling to pieces."

But fellow team member Sam Greenwood, 15, said after the game: "He did some serves, diggers and spikes. It was a bit of an honour.”

George Hampton, 15, said: "I was surprised he joined in. He’s good he’s got potential."

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William also faced his own Maori haka, standing with his arms folded as around 25 students, dressed in school uniform, directed the threatening tongue-poking, eye-bulging dance at him and striking their clenched fists in the air.

William’s visit to the Christchurch school was hastily arranged after he was forced to cancel a trip to Arrowtown primary near Queenstown.

His flight made two aborted landings and had to turn back due to poor weather.

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Click here for our special on what's in store for William now he's graduated

4 JULY 2005

Prince William seemed totally at ease when he completed his first solo engagement as the Queen's official representative on Sunday. Looking relaxed and comfortable throughout, the 23-year-old laid a wreath at New Zealand's National War Memorial before meeting with war veterans and other well-wishers in the capital city Wellington.

The Prince, whose gentle demeanour provoked comparisons to his mother Princess Diana, took time to speak to as many of the veterans as possible. "Do you want to sit down?" he asked Sir Patrick O'Dea, the former secretary for Internal Affairs, before helping the 87-year-old into a chair.

Wills also chatted with 86-year-old Alan Johnson, who wished him good luck with his own military aspirations. "He's a very fine young man," said the former soldier afterwards. "We spoke about his entering the Army. He said he was looking forward to it. I told him to be aware to the sergeant major's instructions and in due course they will be looking at him as commander in chief."

There were some younger royal fans among the crowd of well-wishers, too: the royal stroked five-year-old Amelia Ward's face and arm as she handed him a red rose, before happily obliging 19-year-old Rebecca Kennedy when she asked him for a "high five".

And it became evident the second-in-line doesn't take himself too seriously after he met the All Blacks rugby team on Monday. The burly athletes, who trounced the British and Irish Lions just two days beforehand, teased their VIP guest about the result of the match. "A few of us stuck into him about the score, but he's got a good sense of humour," said team member Jono Gibbes. "He's quite humble. He's got a real presence about him. He makes you feel welcome."

William's tactile and informal style provoked comparisons to his late mother Princess Diana

William chats with war veteran Allan Curry

The second-in-line arrives for the memorial ceremony in Wellington

Members of the All Blacks rugby team teased William about the British Lions defeat on Saturday

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William in hospital visit

Hospital visit ... Prince William strokes Jacob's hair

Hospital visit .. Prince William strokes Jacob's hair

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By CORINNE ABRAMS
Sun Online

PRINCE William today stroked the head of a sick boy and held a baby on his lap during a hospital visit in New Zealand.

William made the appearance - bound to draw comparisons with his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales's similar visits - as he toured the country with England's rugby team.

The future King, 23, brought a smile to 13-year-old spina bifida sufferer Jacob O'Grady's face as he waited for his ninth bout of surgery in 12 months.

The Prince placed his right palm gently on Jacob's hair as he spoke to him at the hospital in Auckland.

Jacob’s mother Maxine Sanders said afterwards: "I hadn’t seen Jacob smile in days but after meeting the Prince he was smiling so much.

"He has been feeling really nauseous but the time the Prince was with him he didn’t feel sick. It made him feel better."

Jacob’s bed and monitor were especially wheeled into the atrium of the Starship children’s hospital so he could see William with around 20 other youngsters.

As she moved back the white hospital bedcovers slightly so William could shake Jacob’s hand, the youngster managed to lift his head off his pillow, giving the Prince a broad grin.

Mrs Sanders said: “It was a real boost for him and us as we’ve all been through a really difficult time. The Prince was very lovely and pleasantly personal. It really brightened him up.”

Left holding the baby ... William and Kennard

William was later handed one-year-old Kennard Nanau to hold as he crouched down near the floor so mother Sandra could take a photograph of the pair.

“You’d better have him back now before he starts to cry,” the Prince said laughing as Kennard, began to wrinkle up his face and kick his legs.

Kennard suffers from a bone infection in his right ankle.

Mrs Nanau, from Romania, said afterwards: “William knew about the problem and that it takes a long time to heal. We’ve been here about six weeks.

“I asked him if he didn’t mind holding Kenny. He did it very well. He’s
obviously very good with kids.

“The Prince was just concerned he would start crying but I said no he’s friendly and sociable and likes to be with people, especially special ones.”

Mobile pics ... William poses

During the visit, one onlooker Dylan Harris managed to get a snap of himself and William on a mobile phone.

Asking if he could have a picture, the Prince replied “Go on quickly” before laughing and posing side by side with Harris.

William crouched down as he talked to the children and drew on one plaster cast, while chatting to parents, listening intently about their youngsters’ conditions.

He was joined in the atrium, decorated with rainforest bill boarding and filled with children’s tables and chairs, by two British Lions - Brian
O’Driscoll, who had his arm in a foam sling after being injured in the first test match, and Andy Sheridan.

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William is 'saddened' by blasts

Prince William and Lions tour manager Bill Beaumont
William offered his sympathy to those affected by the blastsPrince William has expressed sympathy for victims of the London bombings, as have senior British Lions and New Zealand rugby officials.

William, 23, who is in New Zealand with the Lions on a 10-day visit, said the events left him "shocked and saddened".

He has cancelled plans to go whale watching as a mark of respect to those killed or injured in the blasts.

A minute's silence will be held before the third Test between the Lions and All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you

Prince William

The prince, who recently graduated from St Andrews University and is second in line to the throne, has embarked on his first solo engagements during this tour.

He said: "At this time I'm sure that I'm joined by New Zealanders and Lions supporters alike in extending to the families and loved ones of all those directly involved, my heartfelt sympathies.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you."

His sentiments were echoed by Lions tour manager Bill Beaumont, who said: "Our thoughts are with all those in the UK who have been affected."

Family and friends

Beaumont added: "As far as can be established at this stage, we are fortunate that none of our touring party have had family or close friends directly affected, although we will continue to monitor the situation."

New Zealand Rugby Union deputy chief executive Steve Tew also expressed sympathy.

"We are saddened by the events in London and want to extend our sympathies to the families of those killed, and to the many injured by these attacks," he said.

Prince William is due in the northern city of Auckland on Saturday to open a water polo competition and watch the third Test between the Lions and the All Blacks.

He is expected to return to London on Sunday after a memorial wreath-laying to mark the end of WWII.

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Wills is Prince of Hearts

Magic moment ... William tenderly touches brain surgery boy Jacob

From DUNCAN LARCOMBE
Royal Reporter, in New Zealand

CARING Prince William strokes a critically ill boy’s head — and proves he is the Prince of Hearts.

William shows he has inherited his mother Diana’s magic touch with this one simple and spontaneous act of compassion.

Patient Jacob O’Grady, 13, about to be led away for brain surgery, gazed up at the Royal visitor and smiled for the first time in weeks.

Tender ... Prince meets wheelchair girl

The moving moment was the highlight of 23-year-old William’s visit yesterday to the Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland.

The Prince is in New Zealand for his first solo tour and has successfully got to grips with his duties.

He has already carried out a tree planting ceremony and laid a wreath honouring the nation’s war dead.

Vivid memories ... Princess Diana touches little girl in London hospital in 1997

Yesterday he demonstrated an extra quality as he moved among wheelchairs and beds gently introducing himself to the patients.

Even when he was told it was time to leave, he insisted: “I am not going until I’ve met them all.”

His encounter with Jacob evoked vivid memories of Diana — the Queen of Hearts — being photographed touching a sick little girl’s head at a London hospital just before her own death in 1997.

Snap ... Dylan has phone photo taken

Nurse Kiri MacDonald, 32, one of 300 watching staff and relatives, said: “William was so relaxed. He made each child feel he only came to see them.”

Jacob’s mum Maxine Sanders added: “The Prince was very lovely and personal. There is no doubt he has his mother’s special touch.”

Laughter ... Brendon get his cast signed

Car crash victim Brendon Kroon, 14, who had his cast signed “Wills” with a smiley face, said: “He asked me about my accident.”

Visitor Dylan Harris even got a snap of himself and Wills on a mobile phone. Asked if Dylan could have a picture, the Prince replied “Go on, quickly” before laughing and posing.

Face ... signature

There was only one disappointment. Four-year-old Vincent Guttenbeil-Pouhila had made a silver crown for William — but was too shy to put it on the Prince’s head.

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5 JULY 2005

In recent months there has been much talk about how Prince William would handle the pressures of his increasingly high-profile role, but the second-in-line has once again demonstrated that as far as he is concerned public life is child's play.

Wills showed no signs of nervousness or uncertainty when he paid a visit to the Starship Children's Hospital on Tuesday. The 23-year-old received a traditional Maori greeting called a "hongi", which consists of touching noses, upon his arrival at the facility. And he was soon enjoying some equally warm welcomes from the young patients being treated in the hospital.

The Prince, who was accompanied by two members of the British Lions rugby team, gamely posed for photos when Dylan Harris asked if he could take a snap of the royal visitor.

One-year-old Kennard Nanau also enjoyed the chance to meet Britain's future king, while Michael Nock said his royal encounter was a truly unforgettable experience. "My life's complete now I've met Prince William," enthused the youngster. "He's a very nice man."

Prince Charles' eldest son seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the visit, but he was no doubt braced for a more irreverent reception when he had lunch with the All Blacks rugby team later in the day. The burly athletes, who trounced the British Lions a few days ago, teased him mercilessly about his team's defeat when they met up on Monday.

One-year-old Kennard Nanau makes a royal friend

The prince poses for a mobile phone picture with patient Dylan Harris

William receives a "hongi" upon his arrival at the hospital