Prince William Finds Unique Way to Wish England and Wales 'Every Success' in World Cup
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Rui Viera/WPA Pool/Shutterstock Prince William
Prince William is walking a diplomatic tightrope!
On Monday, the Prince of Wales, 40, wished both England and Wales all the best in the World Cup — and shared his message on Twitter in both English and Welsh.
As President of the Football Association, Prince William is the head of the England soccer scene and is a passionate supporter of that squad, famously taking his son Prince George to the final of the European Championship in July 2021. But as the Prince of Wales (and an ardent supporter of Welsh rugby!), he now has conflicting interests.
About an hour before England kicked off against Iran on Monday, his office at Kensington Palace issued a pair of tweets:
Wishing the very best of luck to @Cymru and @England as they kick off in the #FifaWorldCup today. Looking forward to watching! W
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) November 21, 2022
The translation, in Welsh, read:
Dyma ddymuno pob llwyddiant i dimau @Cymru a Lloegr @England wrth iddyn nhw gystadlu yng Nghwpan y Byd #FifaWorldCup heddiw. Gan edrych ymlaen at wylio! W
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) November 21, 2022
Just last week, William was put in a tricky position during a visit to Wales when he was asked which team he was supporting.
"I support both. I support England more in the football but Wales in the rugby," he said, according to Wales Online reporter Will Hayward. "When I was growing up, Wales didn't get through to the tournaments. Getting to the World Cup is a big deal, and I'll be supporting Wales through the process."
GEOFF CADDICK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Prince William in Cardiff
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Welsh actor Michael Sheen called William out after the royal soccer fan wished 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.
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? #PrinceofWales https://t.co/Hoanq9snXt
— michael sheen 💙 (@michaelsheen) November 15, 2022
William had a lot to celebrate after both games on Monday. England won their match against Iran and Wales tied with the USA to advance in the competition.
During Wales' game, William tweeted a photo of a Welsh bucket hat, which has become a national symbol of pride, that he was given during his recent visit.
Ar ôl cyrraedd Cwpan y Byd #FIFAWorldCup am y tro cyntaf ers 1958, mae'n rhaid gwylio gêm gyntaf @Cymru mewn steil. Diolch am yr het, @ElinCeredigion! W pic.twitter.com/oLk4As25sj
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) November 21, 2022
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Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Last Monday evening, William surprised the England soccer squad by handing out commemorative jerseys to the players as they prepared to head to Qatar.
