Prince William plays water polo

Prince William took to the water for the Scottish national universities side in the annual Celtic Nations sports event in Cardiff in April 2004.

Measuring 1.90 metres (6 feet and 3 inches), William was resplendent in black and grey Speedos and blue cap, tried his best on being called to the pool as a second-quarter substitute but was unable to stop his side losing 14-7 to the Irish side.

William, captain of the water polo side at St Andrew's University in Scotland, was not among the scorers but did win a particularly big cheer for helping prevent an Ireland goal.

His side also lost to Wales in their second and final match, losing 15-6.

William arrived at the Welsh Institute of Sport wearing faded jeans and scruffy trainers. He then had to force his way through a crowd of young leotard-clad female gymnasts who had just completed their event.

William won a place on the national university water polo team after competing in a trial at the council-run Carnegie Leisure Centre in Dunfermline, Fife. It was reported that he was offered private changing facilities when he arrived at the trials with a bodyguard but insisted in using the main changing rooms.

A spokeswoman for William said: “It is something he is delighted to be part of and he is pleased to be selected.