Royals fans in Portsmouth tell of an '˜unforgettable' day

Hundreds of people were thrilled by the chance to get up close to William and Kate in the Race Village.

Spectators took the chance to snap a few photos of the royal couple as they toured the arena.

Southsea teenager Millie Henderson, 15, was inches away from Kate and William.

She said: ‘It was really exciting seeing them. I couldn’t believe it.’

Her younger brother Dougie, 11, added: ‘It was really cool.

‘I never thought I would have an opportunity to see them so close.’

Other fans had travelled hundreds of miles to see the day’s action.

Helen Hope, 51, of Devon, was delighted to see the royal duo.

‘It was brilliant seeing them,’ she said.

Friend Debbie Yates, 55, of Hereford, enjoyed seeing the Duke and Duchess, but was more taken with Sir Ben Ainslie.

‘I got to shake his hand – I’m never going to wash my hand again after that,’ she said.

Anthony Simpson, 40, of Brighton, left Portsmouth with a day full of unforgettable memories.

He added: ‘Kate and William both looked amazing today. They were so, so friendly and seemed like a really nice couple. Kate even gave me a smile as she walked past. I’m never going to forget that.’