News
Prince William watches Wales play Australia as Vice Royal Patron of the Welsh Rugby Union
14th September 2007
Prince William spoke of his love of rugby today as he cheered on Wales during their World Cup battle against Australia at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
The Prince was attending the match in his capacity as Vice Royal Patron of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), a role he took up in February this year.
Prince William, who was wearing his official WRU Rugby World Cup tie, was met at the stadium by the Lord Lieutenant of South Glamorgan, Captain Norman Lloyd-Edwards.
The Prince met dignitaries from the world of rugby, including WRU President Glanmor Griffiths, Chairman David Pickering, Chief Executive Roger Lewis and former England rugby star Bill Beaumont, who is Director of the Rugby World Cup Organising Committee.
The Prince spoke a few words of French to Jean-Louis Barthes of the FFR before reverting to English, and said: "It's been an awesome tournament so far. I'm looking forward to the game today."
Prince William took his seat alongside Mr Pickering and Mr Griffiths for the anthems, standing with head bowed for the minute's silence held in memory of Sir Tasker Watkins, the Honorary Life Vice Patron of the WRU, who died on Sunday.
The funeral of Sir Tasker, 88, who Prince William met when he took up his WRU role, was held at Llandaff Cathedral just hours before today's kick off.
A Clarence House spokesman said that Prince William was dedicated to backing Wales in the Rugby World Cup.
He said: "He is 100 per cent supporting Wales in the tournament. He's really keen that Wales progress as far as they can.
"He is Vice Royal Patron of Wales, and is committed long-term to supporting Welsh rugby."
During a half-time reception, Prince William met members of the WRU board of directors in a hospitality box.
Drinking a glass of water, he talked about the game, and commented that Wales had had "lots of chances".
The Prince spoke about Sir Tasker to the members, and described him as "an absolute legend".
Prince William attended a post-match reception before leaving the stadium and visited both teams' dressing rooms afterwards.
The match finished 32-20 to Australia.
Click here to find out more about Prince William's patronages.
Click here to read about Prince William watching Wales play in the Six Nations earlier this year.