William, prince of the poolside

For the first quarter of the game, Prince William stood cheering at the poolside in his Speedo trunks.

And for many of the female supporters of his polo team the sight of the strapping 6ft 3in royal may have been more distracting than what was going on in the water.

There could even have been a little sigh of disappointment as he jumped in to join his side for the final part of the match.

William, however, was utterly focused on the sport, egging his team on and talking tactics while at the poolside, and battling strongly once in the water.

An onlooker said: "He was screaming at the top of his voice and egging the team on. It was very apparent he was desperate to win."

Celtic Nations tournament

William, 21, was making his debut for the Scottish national universities' side against Ireland in the annual Celtic Nations tournament in Cardiff.

But, in spite of his efforts, his side lost 14-7.

William, who is captain of polo at his own university, St Andrews, took part in a three-hour trial last month to be included in the 13-man international squad.

Matt McGeehan, water polo co-ordinator for the Scottish Universities Sports Federation, said William was so good they "could not leave him out". He added: "We just treat him as one of the guys. I think he appreciates that."

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