Prince William and Catherine Middleton were greeted happily by the public as they arrived at Trearddur Bay, Anglesey today to dedicate a new lifeboat.

In their first official engagement since announcing their wedding, The Prince and Catherine were guests of honour at Trearddur Bay lifeboat station in North Wales.

His Royal Highness gave a speech saluting the work of RNLI rescue crews and Miss Middleton poured champagne over the boat to officially name it the Hereford Endeavour.

The crowd cheered as the couple spent time talking to them during the visit.

Preceding his speech, Prince William paid tribute to local rescue workers who travelled to New Zealand to help people devastated by the earthquake there.

The Prince, who is a fully-operational Search and Rescue Pilot based in Holyhead, told the crowd: "We are an island people.

"For people of the coast, such as the community here at Trearddur and throughout Anglesey, the sea forms part of everyday life.

"It is livelihood, pastime and heritage.

"But the sea is also unforgiving.

"Nobody knows better than the brave souls who put their lives on the line to save others from its grasp.

"That is why we, as islanders, hold in unique regard the courageous and selfless men and women of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute.

"My family are proud of our long association with the RNLI.

"The Queen is its Patron today and The Duke of Kent is its President.

"And it gives me huge pleasure to be introducing to this relationship, here and now, someone who is not only about to join the family but is also about to become an Anglesonian."

The crowd cheered as Miss Middleton acknowledged the compliment with a laugh and nod.

The Prince added: "In my short time as a Search and Rescue Pilot I have been privileged to work with Aubrey Diggle and other volunteers of the Trearddur Bay lifeboat.

"I realise as we all do at RAF Valley what a vital part this new lifeboat plays in our combined effort to save people from the sea.

"And the Trearddur Bay crew themselves have to thank the generosity of the RNLI fundraising branches here - ably chivvied by Jack Abbott – and across the county of Herefordshire for this superb new rescue platform.

"I know I join everyone here in praying that Hereford Endeavour will keep them safe while they save others.

"God speed you in your dangerous, gallant work."