Tauranga's Independent MP Brendan Horan got the chance to talk waterpolo with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the official unveiling of the Queen Elizabeth II's portrait in Wellington overnight.

He told SunLive about the experience this morning before being admitted to Tauranga Hospital with blood poisoning.

Brendan Horan meets with the Duke of Cambridge at Government House.

He says it is nothing too serious but expects to be in hospital overnight while he receives treatment.

The Mount Maunganui resident travelled back from Wellington after being one of the many delegates, including Tauranga MP Simon Bridges and BOP MP Tony Ryall, to attend the formalities at Government House.

And among the NZ wines and Bluff Oysters, Brendan struck up engaging conversation with Prince William, who shares an interest in waterpolo at his home base in Wales.

'He's a keen waterpolo player, and he was telling me how popular the game is in Wales, and as a result of that conversation I am hopeful I may be able to take one our [Tauranga's ] intermediate teams over to Wales to play there.”

Brendan, who coaches the Aquinas waterpolo team, says of course it is early days but there is definite potential to be able to organise an event.

And that was not the only thing that impressed last night. Brendan was also struck by how personable and engaging the royal couple are.

'They are absolutely lovely – people forget that when you are under the media spotlight how difficult a world it must be for them – but they are so gracious and very personable.

'It was a very friendly atmosphere and very tastefully done.”

When asked what he thought of Kate's outfit – a striking bespoke Jenny Packham gown with embellished silver fern on the shoulder - Brendan says wife Miranda was very 'impressed”.

'I think my wife very much appreciated Kate's dress, she looked great, but I was very pleased we [William and I] had the common interest and how passionate he was about the game.”

When comparing Tauranga's swimming facilities with Wales, Brendan says Tauranga City Council's plans to cut pool hours in the draft annual plan is 'atrocious”, when places like Wales have free swimming programmes for youngsters.

'It costs an arm and a leg for children to get into pools here, when in Wales they have a free swimming for school children initiative.

'This is an aquatic community and it is the responsibility of this town that people are safe.

'What they are doing is causing an elitism in Tauranga – you only need to go to the skate park at Baywave to see the children who can't get afford to go into the pools – how can you build civic pride if you can't use the amenities.”

Brendan has consistently campaigned for council to make it a gold coin donation entry for the city's pools.

To see more of the Royals on their 10-day tour of NZ click here.