Prince William Challenged on If He'll Support England or Wales at World Cup — See His Diplomatic Answer

Mar. 15, 2025

Prince William.Photo: GEOFF CADDICK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

With the soccer World Cup kicking off this weekend,Prince Williamhas an important decision to make: which country to support!

Making things more fraught for the royal fan is the fact that Wales has qualified for the competition for the first time since 1958, and there’s even greater anticipation of the games in the country.

Actor Michael Sheen called him out in the immediate aftermath ofPrince Williamwishing the 26-player England squad well.

“He can, of course, support whoever he likes and as Pres of FA his role makes visit understandable — but surely he sees holding the title Prince of Wales at same time is entirely inappropriate? Not a shred of embarrassment? Or sensitivity to the problem here?” Sheen wrote on Twitter.

During hisvisit to the Welsh capital of Cardiffon Wednesday,Prince Williamsaid that he was backing both sides.

Prince Williammight find it tricky to navigate on the day when the two sides are set to meet: Nov. 29.

Prince Williamspoke with Llywydd (presiding officer) Elin Jones in Wales, who showed him her Wales hat and noted, “They play each other in a few weeks' time. But I won’t ask you.”

A royal source says it would be “quite disingenuous for someone who hasn’t been shy about supporting England his entire life to start changing his allegiances now,” on which most soccer fans would certainly concur. But William is said to be “delighted and proud of the Welsh team” for reaching their first World Cup finals in 64 years, and he is celebrating that achievement.

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Prince William with teh England soccer team.Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

“I’m really here to just kind of point out that the rest of the country’s behind you,” the royal told the team. “We’re all rooting for you. Enjoy it.”

Prince William and Jack Grealish.Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

“What you and Gareth have built here is something special, that’s clear to see,” William told them, referring to the role of England coach Gareth Southgate, who steered the team to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.

“Play for each other, support each other, enjoy it and I’m sure you’ll go far,” he added.

source: people.com