He opened the new Lily Pad decks which were designed and built to commemorate the bicentenary.

Prince Edward congratulated the gardens on the 200-year milestone.

He quipped that is was hard to speak to everyone and unveil a plaque when he was standing at a podium with people in a circle surrounding him.

“It is a perfect day to explore your gardens,” Prince Edward said.

“I haven’t really been able to enjoy the gardens because there’s been rather a lot of people to talk to along the way.

“I will try to make this look as slick and professional as possible.

“There’s one thing I should warn you though and that is that the unveiling of a plaque is not the most exciting thing that has happened in your life.

“That will come as a disappointment but I want you to pretend that it is very exciting and I want you to release 200 years of pent up excitement at this moment.

“One, two, three go.”

Prince Edward then unveiled the plaque at the lily pond which is one of the most popular and most photographed features of the gardens.

His visit to the gardens was the only chance for the public to see and meet him.

Prince Edward met a diverse range of people including a group of female cyclists, garden staff, members of a school choir and other dignitaries.

The Queen’s youngest child stopped to talk to countless school children and members of the public along the way.

His speech was short and as he left he stopped to chat to others who had gathered at the gardens to catch a glimpse of royalty.

One woman described Prince Edward as a “very personable young man.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Prince Edward attended a breakfast at TasTAFE Drysdale’s restaurant to recognise employers who are supporting the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

He also visited St Aloysius Catholic College at Huntingfield to meet Southern Tasmanian students who are part of the award program.

After visiting the gardens, he attended a luncheon at Government House hosted by Her Excellency Prof. The Honorable Kate Warner AC.