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Rediff.com  » Cricket » UK Royals Williams, Kate get some cricketing action in New Zealand
This article was first published 9 years ago

UK Royals Williams, Kate get some cricketing action in New Zealand

Last updated on: April 14, 2014 14:44 IST

Image: Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine 'Kate' Middleton, takes guard against the bowling of husband and Duke of Cambridge Prince William, during the countdown to the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup at Latimer Square in Christchurch, New Zealand on Monday
Photographs: Joseph Johnson/Getty Images for ICC Cricket World Cup

The ICC 2015 Cricket World Cup is just under a year away and the international cricket body is doing all in it's power to take the game to the masses to promote the tournament.

So, marking the countdown to the tournament was the UK Royal family with Prince William and his beautiful wife Catherine 'Kate' Middleton getting some cricket practice at Latimer Square in Christchurch, New Zealand on Monday.

UK Royals Williams, Kate get some cricketing action in New Zealand

Image: Kate Middleton swings wildly as she faces some 'fierce' bowling from husband Prince William
Photographs: Joseph Johnson/Getty Images for ICC Cricket World Cup

Kate Middleton did not have the best of cricketing stances nor was her bat-swing anywhere near professional, but with her bright smile and sporting spirit she brought some joy to the lucky 28 children from seven schools selected to play the sport in front of the Duke and Duchess during their visit to the city on Monday.

In a thoughtful gesture, as part of their tour, the Prince and his wife also met the families of people killed in the Christchurch earthquake of 2011.

UK Royals Williams, Kate get some cricketing action in New Zealand

Image: Prince Williams rolls his arm over during the game at Latimer Square on
Photographs: Joseph Johnson/Getty Images for ICC Cricket World Cup

Prince William sportingly then went ahead and bowled some right-arm 'quickies' against wife Kate. 

He later took to batting and impressed those watching, with his big shots.

Among others who graced the event were New Zealand cricket heroes Sir Richard Hadlee and Debbie Hockley who lead the game, that was played to promote the World Cup 2015, which begins in Christchurch in February.

UK Royals Williams, Kate get some cricketing action in New Zealand

Image: Kate Middleton shakes hands with young Henry Allott as Prince William watches Latimer Square on Monday
Photographs: Joseph Johnson/Getty Images for ICC Cricket World Cup

Kate Middleton and Prince William greet kids before the match at Latimer Square on Monday.

 The Royal couple are currently in New Zealand and touring the country until Wednesday, when they then head to Australia.