The Prince of Wales stunned locals in Cornwall when he showcased his volleyball skills during an impromptu game at one of the UK’s most popular beaches.
William joined teenagers from a local lifesaving club on Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall, as large crowds gathered to enjoy the sun and catch a glimpse of the prince's prowess at serving the ball. During the game, the opposition repeatedly knocked the ball into the net while attempting a return.
Fistral Beach is a surfing hotspot regularly hosting international competitions, as well as the Boardmasters festival. The prince met members of the Holywell Bay and Newquay Surf lifesaving clubs, as he watched demonstrations of training drills, including surfboard skills and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
The Duke of Cornwall, whose title was inherited from his father after the Queen’s death, runs the Duchy of Cornwall - a portfolio of land, property and investments valued at more than £1 billion, which provide an income for the heir to the throne.
The prince met members of the Holywell Bay and Newquay Surf lifesaving clubs (Getty Images)At one point, he asked one group of teenagers: “What is it like out there? Looks good for a few waves.”
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The prince also met members of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) who patrol the beach and save lives at sea through lifeboat search and rescue, lifeguards, water safety education and flood rescue. William spoke with on-duty lifeguards in the lifeboat station. This year, the RNLI will celebrate its 200th anniversary, having formed in 1824.
Before leaving, William met members of the public and posed for selfies. Earlier, he had visited a Duchy of Cornwall housing project at Nansledan in Newquay aimed at giving a home to the homeless. The scheme – in partnership with the Cornish charity St Petrocs – will see 24 homes built on Duchy land for people experiencing homelessness.
In addition to having somewhere to live, the project will provide wrap around support, and is inspired by Homewards – a five-year programme led by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales to show that it is possible to end homelessness. Construction is set to begin in September and the first homes are due for completion in the autumn of next year.
William was in 'great spirits' during the visit, one guest said (Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)During the visit, William met Max Hedges, 26, from Camborne, who received help from St Petrocs after experiencing homelessness, and is now joining the Royal Navy.
“It was brilliant (the prince was in) great spirits,” he said afterwards. "I told him a bit about me and why I am involved in St Petrocs, where I’ve been and what I’m doing now and progression from St Petrocs. They’ve helped me tremendously – I needed somewhere safe to live and I needed a base camp to build my life back up. I’ve just received so much support from the staff and we’ve become friends now.”
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “Today marks the first time that the prince will see the site of the new homes. He is looking forward to hearing from the Duchy team about how the work is progressing and from St Petrocs about the impact the project will have on people experiencing homelessness locally. Both His Royal Highness and the Duchy hope that this project will serve as an inspiration to others.”
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