FOWEY was graced with a royal visit on Saturday leaving rugby fans "astounded" as Princes William and Harry sauntered into the Royal British Legion Club to catch the Lions' match.

Jaws hit the floor as the brothers walked into the usually members-only club to watch the British and Irish Lions' first test against South Africa, a 26-21 defeat.

Legion steward Pat Barron said: "They came in with a group of friends – there was about half a dozen of them and their security staff and they watched the match.

"They must have been in the club for about two-and-a-half hours and they were having a good time – laughing and discussing the match. Their friends were buying the princes drinks and they had a couple of lagers each.

"One or two people in the club were a bit astounded when they walked in.

Someone asked if they could take a picture, but the security staff would not allow it."

Mr Barron added: "Things got a bit hectic towards the end of the match as it was very close.

"It was great to have them here and I think they enjoyed being treated like normal people as I bet they don't get that a lot."

Prince William had been whisked to Cornwall on Friday night by his girlfriend Kate Middleton for his 27th birthday celebrations.

The pair were said to have romantically signed themselves in as Mr and Mrs Smith at a holiday home near Fowey, as a birthday treat from 27-year-old Miss Middleton.

They were later joined by Harry and friends that night when quiet dinner plans were reportedly scrapped in favour of a casual beach barbecue with drinks near Polkerris.

On Saturday before their trip to Fowey, the group stopped off at Par beach where car park attendant Keith Meadows, 62, got the shock of his life.

"I saw a load of cars coming up, three went through and then there were three big Range Rovers. One young man bought a ticket and paid for the next car – I had no idea then that this was Prince Harry.

"The next car pulled up and the young man bought a ticket for his car and the next car and it was when he asked me 'how are you'? I realised I was staring at Prince William. He was so polite and I said to him: 'Have a lovely day' and he said 'you have a lovely day too'.

"He was so friendly and genuine and he gave me a big smile. It was great and I never realised just how good-looking he is. He was a lovely chap and I have been buzzing about it for two days.

"My wife and I were invited to a tea party at Buckingham Palace years ago and we met the boys' mother Princess Diana so it was very special to meet her sons."

Mr Meadows said the group enjoyed a game of rugby and threw a frisbee around on the beach, before heading into Fowey for the rugby.