Prince attends water polo event

The prince said he has always been a keen supporter of water polo

Prince William has made his first official visit to the West Midlands as guest of honour at a sports event.

He visited the Walsall Gala Baths for the English Schools' Swimming Association's (Essa) 2008 Water Polo Championships.

The prince, who is patron of Essa, also spent time posing for photographs and talking to the crowds of people who had gathered outside.

He also signalled the start of two of the matches on Saturday.

Arriving by police escort, the prince was met outside the baths by the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands Paul Sabapathy, and High Sheriff of the West Midlands Byron Head.

He shook hands with Walsall residents who lined the streets to meet him and told the crowd: "Hello, how is everything? Sorry to keep you waiting."

Prince William met crowds in the West Midlands

John Beddoe, Essa Honorary treasurer and trustee, said: "Really the whole thing hinges on William taking part in our championships when he was at Eton.

"We wrote to him, then got an invite to Clarence House to make a presentation and he became our patron in 2007.

"This is the first time we have had a patron since we were formed in 1949 and what a patron to have."