Prince William and Prince Harry turn construction workers for building project

And after being given a grand tour of the two-row terraced-house site in Canada Street, Newton Heath, presenter Nick Knowles challenged them to see who could do the best job in helping make the 62 houses liveable.

The Duke of Cambridge showed off his painting skills and gave a fresh lick of paint to a kitchen in one of the properties.

It was launched last Monday and is due to be completed by the end of this week. Prince Harry was tasked with laying paving stones in the garden and put his hands up in the air and laughed on completion.

On Wednesday, the brothers banded together to film a veterans special for the BBC’s “DIY SOS” – a show devoted to restoring homes for British families in need.

His younger brother Harry holds a similar role with England’s Rugby Football Union.

Mr Manneh, a father of five children, had never been able to read his children a bedtime story because of his difficulties in getting upstairs.

He presented the team with their caps for taking part in the tournament and said: “It is a great achievement for all of you to be here, whether as players, management or support staff”.

The 47-year-old, who served with 2nd Battalion The Royal Irish Rangers, said he would not be washing his hands after shaking the duke’s hand twicet.

“Whilst we have been dealt a very tough group stage, I firmly believe that, with a simple, determined, match-winning mindset, this (Wales) team can progress into the knockout stages and beyond”, William said. “There is no reason for our soldiers to be living on the streets, they can come and form a nice community here”.

They also took time out from their work to speak with ex-army veterans who will be moving into the houses. “Yet ex-service personnel account for a large percentage of the homeless in Britain”.