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Prince William attends England's opening World Cup match

9th June 2006

Prince William attended England’s opening match in the World Cup in Germany today in his role as President of the Football Association and delivered a “good luck” message to England from The Queen.

The Prince delivered The Queen’s letter wishing the team a “successful and rewarding” World Cup to FA chairman Geoff Thompson to pass on to the players.

Prince William became President of the Football Association on Saturday 13th May and presented the FA Cup to Liverpool at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium the same day.

In Germany Prince William chatted with England fans outside Frankfurt’s Waldstadion stadium before the match, swapping predictions about the likely score.

England fan Daryl Street, from London, said: “He agreed the score would be 2-0 and he thought Lampard and Beckham would score.

“We chatted about the game and he asked us whether we had tickets which we do.

“He seemed very relaxed and was really looking forward to the game and very much wanted an England victory.”

England fan Ross Gilbert, from Benfleet, Essex said: “I’m just texting my wife to tell her I’ve met him.

“He wanted us to enjoy the tournament and was hoping for a good game today.

“He had time for everyone and I thought it was really good he was here.”

Mr Gilbert’s son Lawrence, 16, said: “He shook everyone’s hand and seemed like a top bloke.”

On 1st June, Prince William met the England team during a training session in Manchester and wished them good luck for the tournament.

Later, Prince William discussed the game with England’s 1966 World Cup hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst at a reception outside Frankfurt hosted by the Minister President of Hesse, Roland Koch and met former footballers Pat Jennings and Kenny Dalgleish.