William and Kate look Czech gift horse in the mouth

The Czech government has decided to give the recently married British Prince William and his wife a wedding present – a five year old stallion from the National Stud. The couple however has apparently asked that the horse remain stabled in the Czech Republic and that a sample of its “genetic material”, likely sperm, be sent ahead, Prime Minister Petr Nečas told the press on Wednesday. This is apparently to check that the animal is a thoroughbred. The horse, named Favory Alta XXI, is from one of the oldest lines of the oldest Czech breeds, the Kladruber, and is valued at 730,000 crowns. It has an outstanding pedigree, with its sire having competed in world and European and championships. Agriculture Minister Ivan Fuksa, who recommended the gift, said it was an exceptional opportunity to promote the country, its famous stud farm and popularise the breed in the royal courts of Europe.