The Prince of Wales briefly interrupted the half-term break with his family to issue a heartfelt five-word message to ex-racing driver Billy Monger after he became the fastest double amputee to compete at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.

Monger, who had both his legs amputated after being severely injured in a collision in 2017, smashed the 226.3km (140.6 miles) course's previous record by two hours, three minutes and three seconds in a time of 14 hours 23 minutes 56 seconds.

The 25-year-old posted on social media following his victory, saying on X: "14:23:56 - I can’t believe what just happened, World Championship Record Broken. I am offically(sic) an IRONMAN. Let’s goooooo."

Prince William replied to his tweet and congratulated him on his Ironman record with a personally signed message.

William wrote: "Well done Billy, inspirational effort. W"

It comes as the future King is currently enjoying a break with his wife, the Princess of Wales, and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, during their half-term holidays.

According to Lambrook School's website, which the three Wales children attend, the trio will be returning to school on Monday, November 4.

Earlier this week, William revealed one of the activities he has been up to with his three children while on holiday, which was watching sports.

In another tweet, William celebrated that Aston Villa - his favourite football team - had become the first team to win three games in the Champions League this season.

The future King said: "Of course I was watching, @Ally_McCoist9."

He tagged sports commentator Ally McCoist – who had given William a shout out during the match – and signed it with a "W" and a clenched arm muscle emoji.