Royal Watch News

Prince Charles hugged by female rugby star

Nov 12, 2012, 12:03 GMT

Prince Charles

Britain's Prince Charles was hugged by a New Zealand rugby player over the weekend.

Instead of curtsying - as is protocol for women - Linda Itunu, who plays for New Zealand women's rugby sevens team, embraced the heir to the throne while he visited a national sports centre in Auckland, and admits she did so because she thought he needed one.

She said: 'I just saw him and he looked like he needed a hug. I said to the prince, 'Can I give you a hug' and he said he didn't mind.''

She also apologised to the Prince of Wales for making him nervous after the embrace was over, as he appeared to be sweating profusely.

Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, were welcomed into New Zealand on Saturday (10.11.12) as part of their tour of the region representing Queen Elizabeth.

Before arriving they paid tribute to Australia's war dead in Canberra, and were warmly greet by crowds of onlookers.

The prince laid a large wreath on a tomb before the Last Post was sounded by a bugler and a minute's silence was observed.