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Prince William presents the inaugural Prince William Cup to South Africa in Cardiff

24th November 2007

Prince William handed the inaugural cup named in his honour to Rugby World Champions South Africa today.

The Prince, who is Vice Royal Patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, was at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff for the clash between Wales and the Springboks.

He said the creation of the Prince William Cup, to be played for every time the two nations meet, was a "privilege" and added that he hoped it would forge closer links between the countries.

The Prince joined in a minute's applause in tribute to Welsh rugby legend Ray Gravell before the game, and wrote in the programme that Wales had recently lost "two heroes" – Ray Gravell, and Sir Tasker Watkins.

Upon arrival at the stadium, Prince William met First Minister Rhodri Morgan and Welsh Secretary Peter Hain and listened to a musical collaboration between South Africa and Wales.

He also met the cup's designers, South Wales jewellers Mari Thomas and Nicola Palterman, who said it was a "fantastic honour" to have their design chosen by the Prince.

Ms Thomas, 36, of Llanelli, said: "We're both incredibly proud. It's just fantastic to be here today."

The pair met William at half-time, when he told them the cup was "brilliant".

The Prince took particular notice when he was told that the cup detaches from the plinth, thanking them for pointing that out so he would not drop it on the pitch.

He added: "I'll remember that. I'd just have to look sheepishly around."

The cup incorporates maps of Wales and South Africa, and a quote by Nelson Mandela.

Prince William also presented a framed photograph of the 1978 Welsh team to Gerry Lewis, who was physiotherapist for the WRU between 1965 and 1981.

An emotional Mr Lewis said he was "deeply honoured" by the gift, from the players and the union. He said: "My days with the WRU were the happiest of my life, apart from my wedding day."

After a colourful performance of music and dance by Cape Town-based Amampondo and South Wales charity Valleys Kids, the Prince tried his hand at playing an instrument made from the horn of a Kudu, a kind of antelope.

Managing to produce a clear note by blowing into the horn, the Prince commented: "That was amazing."

Mzwandile Qoyoti, the leader of Amampondo, said of William’s attempt: "He was so good. I'd like him to come and play with our band, now and again. It's not so easy to play, but he was a natural."

The Prince asked members of both groups if they enjoyed performing, and then spoke to the South Africans to ask if they liked rugby.

When they said they did, Prince William teased them, saying: "We know you won the world cup. We've heard it, we've heard it."

The groups, who perform together under the name Ubunto, which means humanity, played a wooden xylophone-type instrument called the akadinda for the Prince. It is only used for royal visits.

The Prince asked some of the South Wales children what the noisiest instrument they could play was, but declined to try out the drums himself, saying: "I'm trying to keep away from those. It's very embarrassing."

Denise Lord, Valleys Kids development co-ordinator, said the Prince had enjoyed the music, and added: "He took the time to speak to every single child here. He was wonderful.

"He took an interest and really engaged with them."

She said the two groups first came together at Brecon Jazz Festival, and that it was hoped exchange visits could take place between the two nations.

Craig Cox, 13, of Rhydyfelin, South Wales, played the African drums for the Prince. He said: "It was really good to meet him. He's such a nice man."

Leah Griffiths, 14, also from Rhydyfelin, said: "I really appreciated him spending time with us today."

Writing in today's official programme, Prince William said he was "honoured" to be present at today's match.

Prince William wrote: "It is an enormous privilege to be involved in the Welsh Rugby Union's initiative to forge closer relationships between two proud rugby nations, both on the playing field and culturally."

He said he was "delighted" that Amampondo were performing with Valleys Kids, adding: "What a fine example of the two nations forging strong links with each other in order to broaden the horizons of those around them."

The Prince concluded the message by paying tribute to "two heroes we've recently so sadly lost" in Wales, Sir Tasker Watkins and Ray Gravell, and told Welsh supporters: "The journey to New Zealand 2011 starts here!"

A Clarence House spokesman said: "He is very keen to support rugby at all levels of the game throughout Wales."

Click here to read more about Prince William's charities and patronages.

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