Netball: Excited George breaks ranks with royal hug

Temepara George hugs Prince Edward after the Silver Ferns' extra-time win over Australia. Photo / Supplied

An emotional Temepara George enveloped Prince Edward as he handed the Silver Ferns their netball gold medals yesterday.

Prince Edward had been safely working his way along the line of overjoyed netballers, when midcourter George broke with protocol.

"Come here" she said, leaning forward with her trademark smile, and wrapping her arms around his neck.

"He said, 'you are very happy aren't you?'" Ferns vice captain George told NZPA.

"I said 'oh yes I am!'"

George had been on a high after the Silver Ferns survived two periods of extra time, to beat Australia 66-64 and retain their Games title.

Seconds after goal attack Maria Tutaia slotted the winning goal, she and George were rolling around on the floor in unmitigated delight.

George had not come down from those giddy heights, when Prince Edward arrived with her gold medal.

"The emotions took over, and I just gave him a hug," she said.

"Dad was from England and he passed away in 2002, so it was emotions on all different levels."

Asked if her late father had been a royalist, she said he was "royalty to me".

Prince Edward appeared unfazed by the unexpected display of public affection, completing his medal handout without further incident.

- NZPA