Prince Harry and Jonny Wilkinson have teamed up to celebrate the 100-day countdown to the Rugby World Cup. Arriving at Twickenham stadium on Wednesday, the pair were given the honour of launching the Webb Ellis Trophy tour.
The coveted trophy will travel around the UK and Ireland, before making its way back to London for the start of the games on 18 September.
© Photo: Getty ImagesJonny Wilkinson and Prince Harry celebrated 100 days to go until the Rugby World Cup
In his role as honorary president of the Rugby World Cup, Harry – who has played the "gentleman's game" since his school days at Eton – gave a speech to the hundreds of fans who had assembled at Twickenham.
"This is a very exciting day – just 100 days until the start of the Rugby World Cup," said Harry. "This tour will enable rugby fans from across the country to play their part in the build up to the tournament."
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Webb Ellis Trophy will travel around the UK ahead of the tournament
"Rugby is a game built on values – respect, pride, team work and discipline," he added. "As we have shown with the Olympic, Commonwealth and Invictus Games, we are a nation of great hosts; a nation that seizes the moment. The world will be expecting us to deliver and I know we won't disappoint."
Harry then spoke of how confident he is that the British public "will make every nation feel at home" and "will provide the best possible welcome to the 20 teams" and their fans coming to the UK.
© Photo: Getty Images"The world will be expecting us to deliver and I know we won't disappoint," said Harry, who is honorary president of the games
The Prince, who is vice-patron of the Rugby Football Union, looked dapper in a navy suit and unbuttoned pale blue shirt. He joined retired rugby star Jonny in holding the cup and parading it through the stadium, before the trophy was placed in a jeep to start its journey.
The guests in attendance, including local schoolchildren who waved flags from all over the world, looked equally as excited to catch a glimpse of the golden cup, the fifth-in-line to the throne and the former England captain.
© Photo: Getty ImagesHarry entertained local schoolchildren and fans at Twickenham where the launch took place
The tournament will kick off on 18 September, when England competes against Fiji at Twickenham, and run until 31 October. A total of 48 matches will take place across the country.
