Prince Harry stars in Rugby World Cup opening ceremony video

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Prince Harry made a cameo appearance in Rugby World Cup film
In it, he is dressed as a gardener alongside ex international Jonny Wilkinson
The prince, who is honorary president of the RFU, then made a speech
In it he spoke of his hopes that the event would inspire a new generation

Published: 14:48 EST, 18 September 2015 | Updated: 18:15 EST, 18 September 2015

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It wasn't quite as glamorous as the Queen's starring role as a Bond girl but Prince Harry still managed to raise the roof with a cameo in a film screened at Twickenham tonight.

The royal, 31, appeared alongside former England international Jonny Wilkinson, 36, dressed as a gardener in a clip played at the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup.

A re-telling of the story of how rugby was invented, the clip shows a boy pick up a football and take off with it, sprinting past the pair who are shown leaning on their spades.

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Cameo: Prince Harry raised the roof after putting in a cameo performance dressed as a gardener

As the boy streaks past, Harry turns to Mr Wilkinson and quips: 'Don't worry, that will never take off.'

The film produced a ripple of laughter among the 82,000 strong crowd, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who were watching from the stands.

It also echoed the Queen's starring role in the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics, during which she 'parachuted' into the Queen Elizabeth Stadium with the help of James Bond.

Afterwards, Harry made a speech in which he spoke of his hopes that the tournament will 'inspire current players, those new to the game and future generations'.

Where did they go: Harry and Jonny Wilkinson watch as a group of schoolboys thunder past

Bemused: The pair watch bewildered as the boys thunder past and run off down the street

Quip: The scene ends with Harry turning to Mr Wilkinson and saying: 'That will never take off!'

Half way through, the prince's voice broke suddenly, perhaps because of nerves, and produced another collective chuckle as well as plenty of comment online.

Harry, who is honorary president of the England RFU, continued: 'There will be moments in this World Cup which will live with us for the rest of our lives.

'Who could forget 1995 and President Mandela handing the Webb Ellis Cup to Francois Pienaar or that drop kick [by Jonny Wilkinson] in 2003.

'To all the players, we congratulate you and wish you well for the tournament. Your individual skill is to be celebrated but I can think of no other sport where the success of the team is shouldered so equally by everyone.'

Starring role: The Queen memorably starred in a film shot for the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony

On her way: Her Majesty kept her cameo secret - with news of the film revealed on the day

Grand entrance: The Queen's cameo ended with her 'parachuting' into the Queen Elizabeth Stadium

The prince, who has long been a rugby fan and played the sport during his school days at Eton, spoke of the way that the game has changed during his lifetime before going on to tell fans to 'raise the roof' throughout the tournament.

'Rugby has changed dramatically in my lifetime,' he said. 'But it remains a game founded on a code of values.

'Values which are as important today, both on and off the field of play, as they have ever been.

'Across the country, regardless of age, background or beliefs; this nation, which gave rugby to the world in 1823, will join together and celebrate the game like never before.

'In six weeks' time, one team will take its place in history. It's up to every one of us, to raise the roof on each match in this unforgettable journey.

'The players have earned it, the Nations deserve it and the fans expect it. We're ready…… Game on!'

Speech: Harry, who is honorary president of the England RFU, then made a speech to the 82,000 crowd

Inspiration: He said he hoped the event would inspire a generation of young rugby players

Impressed: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were among the crowds listening to the speech

Back at work: Kate's appearance came a day after she made her first public visit since Charlotte's birth

Royal wave: The couple happily waved at friends and well-wishers in the capacity crowd

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Fans writing on Twitter certainly appeared to enjoy the speech. 'No better advocate for English rugby,' wrote social media user Ms Honey. 'Well done Prince Harry on a great opening speech!'

Another, named Julie Cichocki, added: 'Great great speech by Prince Harry. Got to love Harry.'

Others, however, preferred to focus on the prince's bushy ginger beard - a new look that also provoked comment during an appearance at Goodwood Aerodrome on Tuesday.

Now as then, social media users were quick to declare his beard 'hot', with some even saying it was helping win them over to rugby.

Twitter user Gabriela Chavez said: 'It's already more exciting than football and Prince Harry's beard also adds to the majesticness [sic] of the event. I am a fan.'

Another Candy Bowles added: 'Interesting new look! Movember has not arrived.'

Harry has spent the last week doing a series of rugby themed engagements and is expected to attend a number of games during the six-week Rugby World Cup.

He is expected to be joined for some by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who will, like him, spend the evening watching the opening match - England vs. Fiji.