Kate Middleton's surprise reaction after awkward blunder in challenge with William

The was left in fits of giggles after an awkward moment during a challenge with . The royal couple headed to for the official naming ceremony of HMS Glasgow, the first of eight Type 26 anti-submarine frigates to be built in the city.

Kate is the sponsor of the vessel andand applause. After the ceremony, the couple had a tour of the vessel, which is being fitted out, before meeting staff from BAE Systems, apprentices and members of HMS Glasgow’s company in a nearby training centre.

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They then competed to complete a pipe puzzle connecting pieces of copper piping – a secondary school Stem activity – under the watchful eye of BAE apprentices.

The prince later complained he did not realise it was a competition, saying to laughter from Kate, "It’s a race? – that’s fine, then I’ll race". However, William was left disappointed when it was Kate who was declared the winner.

But just as she looked to celebrate, one of the pipes on her structure fell down causing the princess to catch it - leaving her in floods of laughter.

Afterwards, apprentice Natalie Black guided Kate through the test and said afterwards: “We had a little discussion about what her kids get up to and I complimented her on how well she was doing up the bolts and she said it was just like playing with the kids’ toys.”

Kate was given another task – to complete a traditional ship’s clinometer, which measures the lean angle of a vessel – and tightened a wing nut on the simple tool which will go on display on HMS Glasgow’s bridge.

During the reception, the princess repeatedly spoke about how impressed she was by the sheer scale of the ship, the number of people involved in the build and the on board.

Talking to the ship’s company and their families, she said: “It’s so exciting to see it all come together, all the technology is so impressive,” adding, "What’s really interesting as well is seeing the international interest.”

She admitted that she was still getting to grips with the naval language, telling one woman: "I’m still learning all my naval lingo. There are a lot of abbreviations that I don’t fully understand. I’ve got a lot to learn."

Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell thanked the royal couple for their support and all those involved in the Type 26 endeavour.

He said: “From the first ever HMS Glasgow, sailing under the Royal Navy flag at the end of the 17th century to the ship we see here in the 21st century, HMS Glasgow has evolved and adapted to meet the warfighting and operational demands of its day.

“Each metamorphosis saw shipbuilders adapting materials and designs so that crews could operate each successive HMS Glasgow on operations and in conflict and war. The result of this being 11 battle honours – HMS Glasgow’s pedigree is awe-inspiring.”