Prince William dropped in on the England squad to wish them luck in the Women’s World Cup and scored a winner by surprising manager Sarina Wiegman with her CBE.
Dutch national Sarina was appointed an honorary CBE in the New Year Honours list for services to football after the Lionesses won last year’s UEFA Women’s Euro title.
During his surprise visit to St George’s Park training base in Staffordshire, William said: “We don’t normally travel up and down the country to deliver them, but there’s one person in here who deserves this more than anyone else – Sarina, this is your honorary CBE.”
William also wished the squad luck in the World Cup, which kicks off next month in Australia and New Zealand.
He said: “You’ve set yourself up now – and the only way is up.
“What you did for the country last year at the Euros was phenomenal, and where you’re going to take women’s sport, not just football, is incredible. You’re a great team – the vibe I get from you all is fantastic.
“There are a lot of teams out there who could learn a lot from the way you work together. Huge respect… go get them.”
A stunned Sarina received her CBE to claps and cheers from her team.
She said: “I really did not expect this. It’s very pretty. Thank you very much, but it’s all about the team. I am so honoured, I feel a bit emotional.”
And in a rallying cry to the team she said: “Let’s go make some more history.”
Sarina later praised William for his support. She said: “He’s a big fan of us and he knows a lot about the game and the players.”
William, who turns 41 today, also enjoyed a game of table football with the England stars and presented Bethany England with her commemorative legacy cap.
The Lionesses’ first World Cup match will be against Haiti on July 22.
