There was a party atmosphere all day long as Prince William celebrated his 26th birthday with his girlfriend Kate Middleton on Saturday. The young royal kicked off the fun by competing at polo – one of his favourite sports - alongside brother Harry, who was also cheered on by his love Chelsy Davy.
Laughing and throwing their hands up at particularly intense moments during the action, the girls led the Princes' fan club at Beaufort Polo Club in Gloucestershire. Wills and Harry were working up a sweat in aid of wildlife charity the Tusk Trust.
After their exertions the boys and their partners stayed on for an evening of dancing. The future king, now casually dressed in a shirt and jeans, whirled his pretty brunette sweetheart energetically around the floor to a string of hits including Rihanna and Bon Jovi.
Onlookers reported the twosome "looked really happy, just larking around and letting off steam". "Kate looked amazing in a floor-length clingy dress and William couldn't take his eyes off her," one told a British newspaper.
The couple's willingness to show their affection more openly and Kate's involvement at high-profile Windsor family occasions has led to speculation among royal commentators that an engagement will take place within six months. William, serving with the Royal Navy, is thought to be planning a proposal at Christmas ahead of a wedding next year when his military attachments are completed.