During a momentous day for his family, The Duke of Cambridge today hosted a reception for the England under 20 football team, who were crowned world champions during the summer.
After accompanying his son, Prince George, to his first day at school, Prince William returned to Kensington Palace where he was joined by 16 of the victorious England under 20 squad, to mark their achievement in the under 20’s FIFA World Cup tournament in June.
Prince William hosted the victorious England side at Kensington palace after dropping prince george at his first day of school (kensington palace)
The Duke, who is president of the Football Association, told the players attending the reception: “We need your youth and passion.”
The team beat Venezuela 1-0 in the final held in South Korea, becoming the first English side to win a World Cup since the famous 1966 victory.
The Prince, who is famously an Aston Villa fan, complimented Josh Onoma who is currently on loan to Villa from Tottenham Hotspur, telling England head coach Paul Simpson: “I saw him play the other day. He played very well.”
Onomah, 20, told the Press Association: “William expressed how much of a Villa fan he is and how much he is going to come down to games and just wished me luck.
“To get wished luck by the prince is a big thing.”
The team members wearing England tracksuits, proudly showed off the trophy to the future King, and posed for a photo.
The England U20 team pose for a photo with The Duke of Cambridge (kensington Palace)
Among the Young Lions who got an opportunity to chat to William were captain Lewis Cook and Everton player Dominic Calvert-Lewin who scored the winner in the final.
Of course, the event could not go by without a mention of his son’s first day at school. The Duke of Cambridge said George had has a ‘good day’ at Thomas’ in Battersea, and that “It was really nice actually. It’s a nice school.”
“There was one other parent who had more of an issue with their children – so I was quite pleased I wasn’t the one,” he revealed.
Another photo was released by the palace to mark the special occasion, which Catherine missed due to being unwell with morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum).
Prince William and Prince George pose for a photo on their front steps ahead of his first day at school (kensington palace)
We wonder which of the Princes felt had the biggest day – Prince George on his first day at school, or his father on meeting England football World Champions!
