
They may be royalty but that didn't stop cheeky London marathon runners from splashing Kate and Wills with water as they cheered from the sidelines.

The Duke and Duchess were handing out bottles at a water stop when several runners spotted a golden opportunity to have some fun.

The smiling prince - who has dubbed himself a 'modern monarch' - appeared to take the joke slightly better than his other half who seemed less than impressed as water droplets landed on her fleece.

Prince Harry managed to avoid the spray but was seen jokingly shying away from one particularly sweaty runner who wanted to hug him for a selfie.

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Not amused: Prince William and Kate Middleton were almost soaked by a London marathon runner who sprayed them with water as they watched the race - but Kate seemed less than impressed

Your wet highness: Prince William closed his eyes as he was sprayed with water by several cheeky marathon runners

Fun and games: The Prince flashed a beaming smile as some daring runners ran past and sprayed him with water on their way

Kind-hearted: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were handing out water to runners when they were sprayed by racers

Radiant: Kate composed herself after she was splashed with water to greet racers after the event at the finish line

Happy as can be: The Duchess of Cambridge was delighted to pose for selfies with charity runners as she watched on

The royals, who champion the marathon's official charity Heads Together, put their hands together to sound the klaxon and set 40,000 hopefuls on their gruelling 26-mile journey at 10am this morning.

They then watched the race from a half-way point where they gave runners high fives as a radiant Kate waved encouragement with a large blue foam hand.

The royal trio, wearing black Heads Together tops, spent about half an hour chatting to supporters and whooping and clapping as runners sped past.

Having a blast: Kate was elated as she cheered on runners at the water stop before hugging a few charity competitors

Overjoyed: Former Top Gear host and BBC radio presenter Chris Evans splashed himself with water after finishing the race

Giving a helping hand: The royal trio were all smiles and they shook the hands of runners on their way past on the race

BBC presenter Sian Williams smiled as she presented her medal after the race while model Ashley Williams put her arm in the air

Whispers: Prince Harry leaned in close to Kate as the pair chatted quietly while watching runners whiz past in central London

A water point at the 22-mile mark was the next stopping point, where they handed out refreshments to astonished runners, many of whom did a double take and, forgetting their time, backtracked for a selfie.

William, Kate and Harry stood at the side of the road near Shadwell as a giant sound system boomed out motivational songs including YMCA and Sex On Fire. They laughed, cheered and whooped as the exhausted participants faced their final four miles.

One runner, dripping with sweat, spotted William and bounded over. 'I saw you earlier,' he shouted, as he gave the prince a high five.

Siblings in law: Prince Harry also donned the massive foam hand as he gave out high fives alongside a beaming Kate

Delight: The royal brothers Harry and William were a picture of happiness as they supported runners in the capital today

All together now: The trio pushed the button at the same time by putting their hands together and pressing in unison

High five: Kate and Harry were beaming from ear to ear as they cheered on the runners supporting Heads Together

Excitement: Dozens of fans were delighted to watch the race alongside the royals as they gave high fives to the runners

Cheering on the runners: The royals clapped and smiled and they watched the athletes and hopefuls begin their run

And they're off: Almost 50,000 runners set off on their 26-mile journeys from the start in Blackheath at 10am this morning

Daniel Wanjiru of Kenya (left) won the 2017 men's London Marathon beating favourite Kenenisa Bekele (right) into second

Prince Harry poses with the winner of the men's elite race Kenya's Daniel Wanjiru and the winner of the women's elite race Kenya's Mary Mary Keitany

The Duchess of Cambridge gave a medal to a man in star costume. She draped it over the point at the top of the outfit, saying: 'There you go, I might just put it there. 'That's fantastic.'

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry give out medals to the finishers after they complete the gruelling race

Many stopped to pose for selfies with the royals or ran over to high five them or shake hands in a more genteel way.

'Wills and Harry!' one runner shouted across to them, waving. Others applauded the trio as they ran by.

'Well done guys,' William shouted. 'Thank you so much,' Kate told some of the 700 competitors running on behalf of the Heads Together mental health campaign.

Prince Harry, who hopes this will be the year of the 'mental health marathon', then presented trophies to the top three elites and World Para Athletics Marathon World Cup competitors.

Exhausted London Marathon runner collapses 200m from the end but is carried over the line by fellow racer An astonishing moment of sportsmanship warmed the hearts of London marathon spectators today when an exhausted runner was carried over the line. Just 200 metres before the finish line cub runner David Wyeth's legs turned to jelly and he stumbled from side to side before almost crumbling to the floor. The athlete has been declared a hero after helping his fellow competitor to continue those final few yards But Matthew Rees of the Swansea Harriers stopped running, turned around and put his arm around his fellow competitor, ensuring he continued those final few yards. They were both helped by a race organiser to get the Chorlton runner over the line in a brilliant show of support. Stunned views have praised Matthew Rees on social media. One woman called him her 'hero' saying the touching scenes brought tears to her eyes. Advertisement

Fun and games: A radiant Kate Middleton, wearing her brunette locks down, flashed a beaming smile at the race

Supporting the runners: The royal trio used blowhorns to make some noise as the race kicked off from Blackheath

Prince Harry, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, posed for a team photo with the Heads Together runners

Jenni Falconer looked in the zone as she kept to a steady pace alongside former olympic rower James Cracknell

Selfie time: A beaming Prince Harry was more than happy to pose for selfies with runners who stopped to greet the royals

Prince Harry, who hopes this will be the year of the 'mental health marathon', presented trophies to the top three elites and World Para Athletics Marathon World Cup competitors

Prince Harry with wheelchair winners Britain's David Weir and Switzerland's Manuela Schar. Right: Kate Middleton

Kenya's Daniel Wanjiru, center, who placed first, poses for photographers at the finish line with Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele, left, second place, and Kenya's Bedan Karoki, third place

Runners cross the half way point on Tower Bridge as they make their way around the capital on the 26-mile race

Hundreds of police including armed patrols lined the streets of London for the biggest anti-terror operation in the 36-year history of the race.

Security barriers were set up near crowded spots including at the race start in Blackheath and at Tower Bridge to stop a Westminster-style vehicle attack. Police have been told they must 'shoot to kill' if they see a terrorist driver.

There were also stringent security checks in place at St James and the Mall as nearly one million are expected to watch almost 50,000 athletes.

It is one month since radical Khalid Masood drove his speeding car down Westminster bridge killing five but the Metropolitan Police told MailOnline: 'There is no specific intelligence that the Marathon will be targeted.'

In conversation: Mental health campaigner Prince Harry chatted to a runner who was raising money for Heads Together

Brave or mad? These upbeat athletes were all smiles when they got into their 'mystery machine' to kick of the big race

Claws for thought: One brave man looked a little warm in a full-body lobster suit as he put his pincers in the air while he ran

The view from above: Runners make their way over Tower Bridge during the Virgin Money London Marathon

A fun runner dressed as Buzz Lightyear during the Virgin London Marathon alongside another dressed as iron man

Shall I push the button? Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate Middleton discussed how they would push the button the start the race

Runners in the London Marathon 2017 run through Bermondsey dressed in quirky and unusual outfits

Packed: Almost one million lined the streets to watch the runners. Pictured: Racers on Tower Bridge

Hundreds of police including armed patrols lined the streets of London for the biggest anti-terror operation in the 36-year history of the race

A record number of runners are tackling this year's London Marathon. Organisers said a total of 40,382 people collected their race packs on Saturday, meaning the 37th event is poised to outstrip last year's record of 39,140 competitors.

Among the runners undertaking the daring feat this year is 47-year-old Gary McKee, who will be finishing his 100th marathon distance in 100 days.

With an election race in full flow, the annual challenge will also fittingly play host to a record number of MPs.

A total of 16 members - including five from Labour, nine Conservatives, one independent and one from the SNP - joined the throngs of racers.

A host of famous faces were spotted undertaking the gruelling endeavour for good causes, including pop band Scouting for Girls, who are running for the Alzheimer's Society, and radio host Chris Evans, who is running for the third year in a row, raising cash for Children in Need.

Eastenders star Adam Woodyatt faces an emotional challenge as he runs alongside his 19-year-old son Sam, just months after the teenager was hit by a car.

WIFE RUNS IN HER WEDDING DRESS AFTER MARRIAGE Married life can be challenging - especially when you run a marathon hours after tying the knot. Jackie Scully and Duncan Sloan began their time as man and wife by rushing from the altar to the athletes' starting point for the 2017 London Marathon. The bride combined a white wedding dress with brightly-coloured running shoes as she boarded the Cutty Sark, in Greenwich, with her soon-to-be husband. Ready for the race: A wife who survived breast cancer wears her wedding dress as she runs with her husband The bride combined a white wedding dress with brightly-coloured running shoes as she boarded the Cutty Sark, in Greenwich, with her soon-to-be husband On the deck of the historic ship, the couple exchanged their vows more than three years after they first got engaged. For Ms Scully, it marked a high point at the end of a turbulent few years in which she battled with breast cancer. The 35-year-old, who has now completed treatment, beamed alongside her tracksuit-clad groom as their relatives watched on. They then went straight to the nearby starting line, ready to compete in the 26.2-mile challenge to raise cash for Breast Cancer Care and Willow Foundation. Jogging alongside them will be Ms Scully's father and her cousin. Finishing the marathon will not be the start of a restful honeymoon as the couple then plan to walk the Great Wall of China for Breast Cancer Care. On the deck of the historic ship, the couple exchanged their vows more than three years after they first got engaged A same-sex couple also ran in white kit and one wore a veil to celebrate that they had just got married Advertisement

Runderwear: One racer stripped to some skimpies bearing the word 'runderwear' on his back as he completed the race

The start of the race: The Cutty Sark ship in Greenwhich were the runners set off at 10am on their race this morning

On guard: A police officer walks around metal security barriers with a sniffer dog on a lead at the start of the race

Tussling for the men's elite crown this year will be the second-fastest marathon runner of all time, Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele and last year's runner-up, Kenyan Stanley Biwott

Prince Harry hugged journalist Bryony Gordon, who is running for the Heads Together charity, before the race began

Lost in the crowd: Prince William found himself at the back of one photo as Kate stole the limelight with a beaming smile

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry as the members of the Heads Together campaign start the Elite Mens Race and Mass race

Left: Welsh rugby star Shane Williams. Right: Eastenders star Adam Woodyatt and his son who recently came out of hospital after a horror car crash

2017 LONDON MARATHON: THE WINNERS Daniel Wanjiru dug deep as he held off favourite Kenenisa Bekele to claim victory in the London Marathon elite men's race in 2:05:56. Ethiopian great Bekele entered the race as the overwhelming favourite but his challenge appeared to be faltering as he slipped back during the middle stages of the race. He eventually found his rhythm and burst through the field to challenge Wanjiru, but was unable to find a way through. Wanjiru said: 'The sun was coming and the day was beautiful, but in the race we don't need the sun ... I have tasted world record pace which was good for me ... next time.' Kenya's Daniel Wanjiru took victory at the London Marathon as he held of Kenenisa Bekele David Weir rode to a magnificent seventh victory in the London Marathon wheelchair race on Sunday. The 37-year-old overtook Marcel Hug in a thrilling sprint finish to win in 1.31:06, eradicating his demons from the Rio Paralympics, where his underwhelming Games culminated with a failure to complete the marathon. The six-time Paralympic gold medallist became embroiled in a bitter row with elements of British Athletics after those Games and turned his back on the track, with the stated intention of retiring altogether after this London Marathon. David Weir crosses the finish line to win the men's wheelchair race at the London Marathon In the women's race Mary Keitany of Kenya broke Paula Radcliffe's women's-only world record. Keitany, 35, crossed the finish line on The Mall in two hours 17 minutes one second, the second-fastest time in history. That was 41 seconds quicker than four-time British Olympian Radcliffe ran in winning the event in 2005. She said: 'It was a great day for me.' In the women's race Mary Keitany of Kenya broke Paula Radcliffe's women's-only world record and achieved the fastest time in history Advertisement

Matthew Rees of Swansea Harriers stopped running just a few yards from the end of the race to help David Wyeth of Chorlton Runners finish his race

The youngster was hit on September 29 and put in an induced coma by the London Air Ambulance, before undergoing five hours of life-saving surgery that 'put him back together'.

Olympic and Paralympic heroes are also making the journey from Blackheath or Greenwich to Buckingham Palace, including Rio gold medallist rowers Heather Stanning and Helen Glover, cyclist Chris Newton and Paralympic rower Pamela Relph.

Sixty-five years separate the oldest and youngest competitors in the Virgin Money London Marathon 2017.

At 83, Kenneth Jones is the oldest runner, but is no stranger to the challenge - having competed in every London Marathon since it began in 1981.

He is part of a band of so-called Ever Presents who have done all of the London races, with 11 others joining him on the starting line.

Left: Former Top Gear presenter Chris Evans posed for the cameras at the start. Right: Former Olympic rower James Cracknel

David Weir at the start of the World Para Athletics Marathon World Cup Wheelchair Races - which he won for the seventh time

Clapping the runners: Kate flashed a beaming smile as she cheered on the hopefuls alongside the two princes

Eastenders star Adam Woodyatt at the start of the race with his son Adam just months after the youngster was hospitalised after a horror car crash

Left: BBC sport presenter Mark Chapman posed for the cameras at the start of the race. Right: Former Olympic rower James Cracknell

MPs line up for the race including Conservative Graham Evans and Labour's Nic Dakin

Gearing up for the race: Model Ashley James posing for the cameras at the start line in a

Around 18 years after Mr Jones first attempted the event, this year's youngest competitor was born - Bronte Randle-Bissell, who is running just three days after turning 18.

Runners face a bright, chilly start to the race, but will cross the finish line in warm sunshine and temperatures in the mid-teens, the Met Office said.

Tussling for the men's elite crown this year are the second-fastest marathon runner of all time, Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele and last year's runner-up, Kenyan Stanley Biwott.

Left: A London Marathon poem outside a tube stop. Right: London firefighter Luke is running after caring for his sick daughter

World records will also be attempted by around 50 runners, including the fastest marathon in a sleeping bag and fastest marathon in Wellington boots

Cheering on the crowds: The royals clapped as thousands of racers began their gruelling 26-mile journey around London

Lord be with me: One runner dressed as a priest complete with staff as another carried a heavy box for the 26-mile race

In the women's elite race, Kenyan champion Mary Keitany vies for her third London Marathon title, coming up against fierce competition from world champion Mare Dibaba and Britain's Jo Pavey, who is still competing at the age of 43.

British six-time wheelchair winner David Weir won a record seventh London crownamid speculation about retirement.

World records will also be attempted by around 50 runners, including the fastest marathon in a sleeping bag and fastest marathon in Wellington boots.

TV and Heart radio presenter Jenni Falconer geared up for the start of the race in Blackheath as she posed at the start line

The races start at Blackheath and Greenwich Park from 8.55am and end in the shadow of Buckingham Palace. Road closures are be in force and there are delays to some public transport.

Last night so many donations were flooding in for the runners that the Virgin Money Giving website broke down, meaning last minute donations could not be made.

A message on the website read: 'Sorry, Virgin Money Giving is unavailable at the moment. Thanks for your patience while we work to restore normal service. 'We'll be back up and running as soon as possible.'

Welsh journalist Sian Williams was one of the many cCelebrities to take part in the 37th London marathon