The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William turned out to support British sailing hero Sir Ben Ainslie as he led the English team to a strong start of the America’s Cup World Series in Portsmouth on Sunday.
Thousands of spectators cheered on Sir Ben’s Land Rover BAR team during the Portsmouth leg of the America’s Cup but sports-mad Kate and William weren’t relegated to the sidelines.
The royal duo – who were both decked out in the British team’s merchandise – trailed behind four-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Ben and his Range Rover team in a twin-engine boat as it chased after the racing catamarans.
Since June 2014 34-year-old Kate has been the royal patron of sailing charity, 1851 Trust. The sailing enthusiast seems to have struck up a friendly rapport with Sir Ben, the pair having met each other at several engagements over the years.
Portsmouth is the seventh stage of a lengthy qualification process that will count towards the 2017 America’s Cup Challenger Series and the British team won two out of three of the day’s races to finish top of the leaderboard with 26 points.
During the day’s celebrations Prince William was asked by a 10-year-old about what kind of presents his son, Prince George received from his third birthday on July 22.
William told the curious child: “He got too many things, he’s far too spoilt, [and] he’s not into boats yet.”
The America’s Cup is the oldest international sporting trophy. The winning team in the qualifiers will earn a spot to challenge Team USA’s Oracle in the America’s Cup in Bermuda next June.
The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William turned out to support British sailing hero Sir Ben Ainslie as he led the English team to a strong start of the America’s Cup World Series in Portsmouth on Sunday.
Kate has been the royal patron of sailing charity, 1851 Trust. The sailing enthusiast seems to have struck up a friendly rapport with Sir Ben, the pair having met each other at several engagements over the years.
Kate’s normally picture perfect locks were no match for wind – not that she minded – she was too busy congratulating the British team and meeting royal fans.
The royal duo were both decked out in the British team’s official team shirts.
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