‘I wish I’d brought my trunks!’ Life’s a beach for William in Tel Aviv

The Duke of Cambridge has suggested to sportsmen on Tel Aviv beach that he would love to return to the city in future.

The city saw unprecedented scenes as beach-goers clamoured for the best view and chanted his name in the hope of a selfie from the moment his convoy stopped at Frishman Beach until the moment he left half an hour later.

As a section of the famous beach was closed off, among those with a front row view was Dalia Black-Doobov and her three young children Ella, Ziv and Micha, who has been following the visit in the media since his historic touch down.

The family caught the eye of the dressed-down prince, who bent down to speak to the children. Black-Doobov, who made aliyah 17 years ago, said: “He was really excited. He said the city and beach is great and he wished he’d brought his swimming trunks.”

He also scaled a lifeguard tower-turned hotel with Tel Aviv mayor Ron Huldai, before emerging down the steps to screams of his name from bikini-clad revellers in the sea.

William also watched members of the Israeli Footvolley Association in action, telling team members: “You guys deserve a serious round of applause. I wish I could do that.” He added “I’m not feeling so young right now.” But he delighted onlookers with a successful kick at the first time of trying.

He said: “Just don’t ask me to do the shark attack. Next time come back I’ll do it.”

Gal Hofu Levi said his support was a “dream come true” that would be a wonderful boost to the sport. He said Tel Aviv had likely never seen such an event, adding: “It’s great respect for Israel to have him here. We’re still a new country. Everyone is super happy.” He also suggested Israelis have “a lot to learn” from the British.

We have lots to learn from the British in terms of “more respect and patience because the situation we grew up is intense”.