Prince makes a splash at water polo champs

Prince William prepares to throw in the ball to start a water polo competition. Picture / Fotopress

It was a false start but that didn't worry the crowd when Prince William threw the ball into the water too early to start a game at the New Zealand junior men's waterpolo championships in Auckland today.

Prince William was starting a game between North Sports from Albany and Harbour City from Wellington when, after blowing his whistle to start players from either teams swimming towards the middle of the pool, threw the ball in too early.

The false start earned the prince a huge cheer from the crowd, the ball was recovered, and the prince - with a whistle in his mouth - tried again and this time succeeded.

Prince William was due to watch the entire game at the West Wave Aquatic Centre in Henderson before heading into Auckland city to sign a book of condolences at the office of the British Consultate-General for victims of the terrorist bombs in London.

Tonight he will attend the third test between the Lions and the All Blacks at Eden Park.

Prince William arrived at the pool in west Auckland on time and made a big splash, particularly with the young women of the New Zealand junior women's team.

Lisa van Raalte, 17, said the prince was "awesome" and that she would be "stoked" if the man described as the world's most eligible bachelor invited her on a date.

- NZPA