Prince Williamis back in his element — hanging out with soccer players.
The football fan spent Tuesday with the England women’s squad — nicknamed “the Lionesses” — as they prepared for the FIFA World Cup taking place in Australia and New Zealand.
The Prince of Wales, who celebrates his 41st birthday on Wednesday, visited the training camp at St. George’s Park in the English Midlands to wish them luck before the big tournament kicks off in exactly one month.Prince William — who is president of the game’s governing body in England, the Football Association — also had a surprise in store for head coach Sarina Wiegman! William presented Wiegman with her honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire medal. The coach received the recognition in the 2023 New Year’s Honours List for services to the sport.
Prince William, Sarina Wiegman.Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images
The Prince of Wales also spent time with other staff and players, including those with tournament experience and those who will be competing in their first World Cup.
Prince William.Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Almost exactly a year ago as the women prepared for the Euro finals, Williamalso made a visitand returned home with gifts for his children Prince George, 9,Princess Charlotte, 8, andPrince Louis, 5: team jerseys with their names across the back and a number corresponding with their age.
Then, Prince William proudly told the women that Princess Charlotte wanted him to pass it along that she is a gifted goalkeeper.
As the team reached the final in last year’s competition, Prince William and Prince Charlotterecorded a fun good luck messagewhich was posted to social media. “We both want to wish the Lionesses the best of luck tonight. You’ve done amazingly well in the competition, and we’re rooting for you all the way!' Willam said before his daughter added, “Good luck! I hope you win. Bye!”
The caption on the post read, “Good luck tonight@Lionesses, we’re all cheering for you!” And it seemed to have the desired effect,as they wonagainst Germany.
Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton,Meghan Markleand more!
In this year’s tournament, England will face Haiti on July 22. Also in their league are Denmark and China.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is running from July 20 to August 20. England are one of 32 nations taking part in the FIFA Women’s World, marking the largest number of nations taking place in the tournament to date.
source: people.com
