Today The Duke of Cambridge hosted a breakfast for England’s women footballers at Kensington Palace, who have just returned from Canada following the women’s World Cup.
The ladies English squad finished third in the competition, beating Germany to the position, but losing out to Japan with an unfortunate own goal. This result is the best ever for any England senior football team, since the 1966 win.
William, President of the FA, met the team back in May, before they set off for Canada to compete. He hosted the breakfast today to congratulate the women in person, and got a chance to admire their medals up close.
The Prince was seen talking animatedly with the team about the tournament, which proved popular with viewers too. Up to 2.5 million people watched each game, and William, an Aston Villa fan, saw the Lionesses secure third place, while 11.9 million other viewers caught some part of the England Women’s journey.
A statement from Prince William in June said: “Congratulations to both the English and Canadian teams for such a great game in the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals.
“As president of the FA, I’m thrilled to see the England women progress to the semi-finals for the first time.This team is making history and I can’t wait to see them in action against Japan.
The croissants though👌🏻@KensingtonRoyal ! @AlexScott @LucyBronze pic.twitter.com/BA1WMEvdgv
— Karen Bardsley (@klbardsley) July 9, 2015
“I know a lot of people have been following the team’s progress and I’m sure many more will now seize the chance to support this great moment for English football. The Lionesses are doing their country proud.”
A series of tweets from team members showed excitement as they headed for Kensington Palace with coach Mark Sampson – and they couldn’t resist taking a selfie with the Duke in the background, tweeting it with the caption: “The croissants though”.
The Lionesses then helped some young footballers practice their skills in the grounds of the Palace, and then met Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street, before heading to Wimbledon.
Featured image: © Chloe Howard 2014
