Prince Harry had a high-energy day on the last day of his tour, starting with a football match with the U20 team at New Zealand U20 World Cup.
The Prince turned up in more casual attire than we are used to, in tracksuit bottoms, a t-shirt and trainers. Hundreds of people gathered outside of the venue to catch a glimpse of Harry, who concludes his tour of New Zealand today.
He took part in some warm-up sessions and demonstrated his keepy-uppy skills!
During the match, Harry took a penalty for his team, scoring a last minute goal to take his team to victory. Harry’s team won 8-7, with reports saying he has a strong right foot.
The 30-year-old was treated as one of the team, and afterwards said he’d had ‘a great time’.
Who needs @Cristiano when you have #PrinceHarry sublime skills as he volleys the winning goal #RoyalVisitNZ #Football pic.twitter.com/LwWMmwy7iQ
— Rookie (@royalfocus1) May 16, 2015
Prime Minister John Key quickly offered Harry a spot on the New Zealand football team, describing his play as “fluid”.
After the match, the Prince spoke with volunteers and players, discussing football (of course).
Harry then spent time greeting crowds outside, with many keen to see him. One even wore a mask of his brother, The Duke of Cambridge!
Next Harry visited the Millennium Institute for a series of sporting demonstrations. The High Performance Sport centre is New Zealand’s national training centre, and the Prince was still in his tracksuit attire.
Captain Wales, as Harry is known in the army, met some athletes at the centre, including swimming gold medallist Sophie Pascoe, All Black Kieran Read and triathlete Hamish Carter. He was shown how the weightlifting equipment worked and had a quick workout while he was there; just a few days ago Harry was spotted in a gym training along other New Zealanders. He also took part in netball hoop, rugby pass & rope pulling challenges.
Upon leaving the centre, the uncle-of-two chatted with crowds for around half an hour, knowing this was the last chance he would have to do so. Many got photos of the Prince, or had their photo taken with him, and crowds kept chanting ‘Harry, Harry!’ outside the facility.
Prince Harry boarded a flight back to London later in the day. It seems he thoroughly enjoyed himself on his first tour of the country!
Photos: Government House New Zealand
