Prince William donned his wetsuit and jumped into a swimming pool to mark a special event on Wednesday – becoming the president of the British Sub-Aqua Club (Bsac). The 32-year-old royal was taking over from his father Prince Charles, who was also present at the Oasis Sports Centre in London's Covent Garden.
© Photo: Getty ImagesAs a keen swimmer and diver, William looked right in his element as he took to the water with a group of young divers. The Duke of Cambridge impressed with his aquatic skills, demonstrating different moves underwater and gliding around the pool in his flippers.
Back in May when the news of the handover was announced, William, who is father to eleven-month-old Prince George, opened up about his dreams for the royal tot.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince Charles was also present at the Oasis Sports Centre in London's Covent Garden
"Scuba diving really has opened my eyes not only to many extraordinary sights, but also to the responsibilities that we have as guardians of the underwater world," he said. ''I hope that one day my son, George, will also experience the wonders that snorkelling and scuba diving have to offer.''
William, who learnt the sport with Bsac, has been fortunate enough to dive while on holiday in some of the most stunning locations in the world, including Mustique, the Maldives and Seychelles.
Prince William is presented with a T-shirt for baby Prince George © Clarence House
At the start of the engagement, William and Prince Charles were given a warm reception, during which they listened to speeches and the Duke was presented with a navy animal print T-shirt for baby George.
Special mention was made to Charles, 65, who was described as looking rather "buff" in an old photo from the late 70s in which he was pictured bare-chested. William then had to explain the compliment to his bemused father, saying that he "should be pleased".
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Prince wore a wetsuit
While William took a dip, Charles stayed poolside and spoke to children about their aquatic hobby. The heir to the throne also learned about Bsac's underwater litter pick campaign, its Diamond Jubilee anniversary celebrations and its Beachcomber and rock pooling sessions, designed to help young children learn about marine life. Just like his son William, Charles took over from his own father the Duke of Edinburgh as president of the organisation. Bsac represents more than 30,000 scuba divers and snorkelers across the country, and is made up of 120 dive centres.
Prince William races young divers in the pool © Clarence House
Later on Wednesday, William, who is in a 'transitional year' combining royal duties with charity work as he prepares to become King one day, will be joined by his younger brother Prince Harry for a second engagement. The royal brothers will launch The Queen's Young Leaders Programme on behalf of their reigning grandmother. – The scheme aims to find future Commonwealth leaders who will make a difference in their country. The Queen is the head of the Commonwealth – the voluntary association of 53 countries made up of 2.2 billion citizens – and the position will one day pass to William.
