William and Kate bring children to second last day of Commonwealth Games

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, The Prince and Princess of Wales laugh with British cyclist Laura Kenny while sitting behind Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy

ByMary McCool

BBC ScotlandReporting fromGlasgow

Updated 1 hour ago

The Prince and Princess of Wales have brought their three children to watch some of the final sporting events at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Cheering crowds at the city's OVO Hydro were treated to exhilarating performances in the netball semi-finals where the family watched New Zealand's 61-54 win over England.

Known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay while in Scotland, the couple also spent time meeting athletes, staff and volunteers during a slightly blustery visit to the venue on the River Clyde.

They then made their way to the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome - where they chatted to British cyclist Laura Kenny and sat one row behind Olympic cycling champion, Sir Chris.

Figure caption, William and Catherine arrive at Commonwealth Games with their children

After leaving the netball, the family met gold medal-winning para powerlifter Mark Swan and gymnast Reuben Ward on the concourse.

Princess Catherine and Charlotte also took the time to take photos with the Team Scotland netball players - who lost to Uganda on Thursday, missing their chance to finish third.

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, The family left the Hydro to meet Games volunteers and athletes

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Image caption, Games mascot Finnie gives George and Charlotte a chuckle as the family meet hard-working Games volunteers

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Image caption, Charlotte and Finnie exchange a high five

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Image caption, Princess Catherine and Charlotte watch the action on the court at Glasgow's OVO Hydro

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Image caption, Team Scotland's netball team sat behind the Royal family

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Image caption, Prince William chatted animatedly to athletes during the game

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Image caption, Shock, applause and a great deal of excitement in the stands during Saturday's netball semi-final between England and New Zealand

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Louis listens intently to his father William, while George's attention remains on the match

Saturday's netball results mean Jamaica and New Zealand will battle it out for the gold on Sunday during some of the final medal awards of the tournament.

England will also try to deny Australia a consolation bronze, before teams transform the Hydro from a netball court back to a gig venue for the closing ceremony on Sunday night.

The venue will be turned around in just six hours.

It has been a scaled-down version of the Games, with 215 medals awarded across 10 sports, however it has hosted a record 47 para-sports events.

Glasgow stepped in to host the tournament - for the second time in eight years - when Australian state Victoria pulled out due to soaring costs.

King Charles and Queen Camilla emerged from a Tardis during the spectacular opening ceremony last Thursday.

Flags from 74 nations and territories were carried into the arena during the event, which also featured the Loch Ness monster and performances from Nathan Evans, Tom Walker and KT Tunstall.

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, The Duchess and Charlotte pose for a photo with the Team Scotland women's netball team

Image source, PA Media

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, The youngest of the children Louis enjoys himself at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome

Simple Minds are due to perform at the closing ceremony alongside Scottish performers Cammy Barnes, BEMZ and Sandi Thom.

Organisers say it will "highlight the people who made the Games possible, the pride of the host city and the iconic sporting triumphs".

The curtain call will also be played out by Highland folk and electronic band Elephant Sessions, while Scottish singer Shereen Cutkelvin will mark the ceremonial flag handover.

Ahmedabad in the west of India is set to host the centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030.

Shankar Mahadevan, one of Bollywood's greatest vocalists, and actress Rashmika Mandanna are set to take to the stage as the baton is passed over.

Australian artist Delta Goodrem will perform a homage to Scotland at the closing ceremony 20 years after she sang in Melbourne 2006.

Community groups and cultural organisations will also be involved.

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First published by BBC News

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