THE Duke of Cambridge has spoken of his “immense pride” at being associated with Cambridge as he and the Duchess toured the city.

The royal couple received a rapturous welcome from hundreds of well-wishers who lined the streets of Cambridge to greet them on their first official joint visit to the city since their marriage.

Speaking at a reception in the university’s Senate House, William said he and Kate had looked forward to visiting Cambridge ever since they adopted their titles on their wedding day in April last year.

“We both feel immense pride at being associated with Cambridge, a place renowned the world over for its dynamism, beauty and learning, and it is lovely for us to be here together today,” he said.

William paid tribute to the work of Cambridge University, saying its academic record down the centuries left them both feeling “very humble”.

“Within a mile of us, gravity and DNA were discovered,” he said.

“Many of the brilliant minds who, through their later work at Bletchley Park, did so much to save our country and the free world, were given first flowering to their genius here at Cambridge.

“This university has more Nobel prize-winners to its name than all but a couple of countries.”

On a more light-hearted note, William joked at his brother’s expense about their visit to Trinity College, Cambridge, five years ago.

“My brother Harry and I were fortunate enough to come to Cambridge five years ago, when we spent a couple of days at Trinity,” he said.

“I have to say, it’s the closest Harry’s ever got to university.”

Kate and William later met students and academics from Cambridge University at a marquee reception inside Senate House.

During their city visit, a romantic Italian made Kate blush when he kissed her on the hand and told her she was beautiful during a visit to a homeless centre.

The Duke and Duchess were introduced to Carmelo Giammona, 43, who has been living at Jimmy’s for two weeks after losing his job as a catering manager and being evicted from his home.

Mr Giammona, from Rocca di Mezzo, near Rome, who has lived in the UK for 18 years, met the couple in the shelter’s kitchen, where he helps with the cooking.