It’s game day for the royals!
Kate Middleton andPrince Williamjoined a group of children in playing a friendly game of cricket in Pakistan on the fourth day of theirtour of the country.
The sporty couple took part in the match with a group of children at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore on Thursday. The two teams had a mix of boys and girls from underprivileged backgrounds between the ages of 10 and 14 years old.
Kate’s efforts weren’t quite as successful — she was caught out twice.
After the game, the couple received some gifts — including a cricket bat for their children. And an official told them “You must apologize toPrince Louisbecause the bat is bigger than he is.” William then joked: “He’ll grow into it!”
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Waqar Younis – former captain of the Pakistan cricket team – acted as umpire and was excited to see the couple as he had already met the Queen twice.
He told reporters, “I’m glad that they came – it was a great encouragement for these young kids.”
On their skills, he joked: “They probably need some homework! William told me he has played a lot of tennis – and that he really only played cricket when he was younger. But he said he can work on it!”
Prince William.Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Adeeba, 14, asked Kate if she liked cricket. “The Duchess said she liked cricket – but is into tennis and swimming. She said she needs to practice cricket more!”
Behind the fun was the important message to inspire and include the children in an important program called DOSTI, which promotes sport as a crucial element in child development (Dosti means friendship in the local Urdu language). The initiative helps build social integration and self-esteem among young people.
Kate Middleton.Samir Hussein/WireImage
The moment for the sports-friendly royals (who play tennis together at home and recently took children Prince George andPrincess Charlottetowatch a soccer match!) mirrored the occasion in India three years ago, when the couple playedcricket with kids in Mumbai.
Kate Middleton.Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Kate, whomemorably wore sky-high wedges for the game, and William used that occasion to kick off their visit in April 2016. The royal couple also met with former cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who said, “They were a remarkable couple and made us feel so comfortable. They were really humble.”
William and Kate’s day of outings in the vibrant city of Lahore fit with their wish to “meet as many Pakistanis as possible including children and young people, leaders from government, business and the charity sector, inspiring conservationists, and well-known cultural figures and sporting stars,” their spokesman said.
source: people.com
