Prince Philip drives himself to lunch at Windsor Rugby Club

The Duke of Edinburgh drove himself from Windsor Castle for a lunch with dignitaries and guests at Windsor Rugby Club on Saturday.

Prince Philip pulled up in a Range Rover at Home Park and was introduced to club officials by the club's president Ian Potter.

Andrew Harris, the president of Berkshire RFU, and the Mayor of Windsor and Maidenhead, Cllr Colin Rayner, and his wife Samantha were guests at the lunch.

The prince had been due to watch Windsor play Witney but the game was called off because of a waterlogged pitch.

The club's president of two years said that junior players would have formed a guard of honour for the Duke to walk out and meet the players before kick-off but the idea had to be 'knocked on the head.'

Prince Philip has been patron of Windsor RFC for more than 60 years.

He took over the role when King George VI passed away in 1952.

Windsor is the only rugby club in the country to have a Royal patron.

"The feedback we've had from our guests is they all enjoyed the lunch," said Mr Potter. "The Duke was very relaxed and seemed to be enjoying himself, he was laughing and smiling."

The Duke and 60 invited guests were treated to a three-course meal of salmon and prawns, roast beef and a cheese board for dessert.