Prince William visits Lancashire (From Blackpool Citizen)

Prince William visits Lancashire

12:39pm Sunday 21st November 2010 in Blackpool FC

Prince William (left) in the stands during Blackpool vs Wolverhampton Wanderers at Bloomfield Road for the Barclays Premier League.

Prince William put his wedding plans on hold as he watched Blackpool's Premier League clash with Wolves on a friend's stag do yesterday.

The second in line to the throne, who announced his engagement to Kate Middleton on Tuesday, took in the match at Bloomfield Road from one of the hospitality areas with a group of friends.

The 28-year-old was then thought to be heading to the popular Pleasure Beach theme park for a private party with the rest of the group.

William, who is president of the Football Association, met with Blackpool club officials, including manager Ian Holloway, before the match.

"I had the privilege of meeting him," said Mr Holloway. "I spoke to him and shook his hand.

"I told him what a cracking lady his mum was and how much we all miss her, and how proud I am of him and his brother.

"I am a common bloke and he reminds me of an ordinary bloke you would meet in the street. Well done sir, it must be difficult.

"Then I told him to leave our women alone if he goes out tonight! That was a joke. I just said be careful where you go!"

Blackpool is one of the most popular destinations in the country for stag weekends.

When asked if he thought William should return for his own stag do, Holloway quipped: "Yes, and I should have said, 'Don't worry I've got my suit ready with a carnation in it mate. I'll be expecting my invite!'

"It's just fantastic isn't it? I never thought I'd be watched by royalty.

"The future king of England was watching us today.

"Unbelievable, quite a surreal day - but I wasn't thinking much about that in the last couple of minutes."

Blackpool survived a tense finale to win the match 2-1 which may have pleased William who supports Wolves' West Midlands rivals Aston Villa.

A spokesman for St James's Palace said the prince was enjoying a private weekend with friends which had been planned for a long time.

William and his fiancee have not yet confirmed where they will be married or named a date.

It is known the couple have a venue in mind and a date but they are fitting their planning around William's job as an RAF Search and Rescue helicopter pilot and are said not to be rushing their decisions.

William's visit further increased the spotlight on Blackpool, as the Lancashire seaside town was also hosting tonight's edition of hit BBC TV show Strictly Come Dancing.