Prince William made sure he didn't forget his daughter's message as he headed out on his latest engagement. The Duke of Cambridge who will celebrate his 40th birthday next week, dropped in on a Lionesses training session on Wednesday afternoon.
The heir to the throne hailed England Women as “trailblazers” as he wished them luck for this summer’s home Euros during a visit to St George’s Park. Prince William observed some drills – and briefly took part in shooting practice – before speaking to the players as a group.
And he said: “It’s a big tournament coming up for you, it’s exciting and everyone’s looking forward to it. You are all trailblazers for women’s sport and women’s football. The best of luck. You’re going to have big crowds, good TV (coverage) – it’s going to be an awesome summer, it really is.
"I will be keeping an eye on what you’re doing and be watching the games with the children, and I’ll try to come along where I can to give my support.
"We’re all so proud of you, and you should be really proud of yourselves, where you’ve got yourselves. This is the pinnacle coming right up, the next few weeks for you, and I know you’ll do us all proud."
During the address, skipper Leah Williamson presented the Duke with three England shirts bearing the names of each of his children, George, Charlotte and Louis, and their ages.
And as he thanked the players, he remembered just what he needed to tell them. He said: "Charlotte wanted me to tell you that she’s really good in goal! She said please tell them that. Budding star for the future!"
Leah, who also spent time talking one-on-one with the Duke, said afterwards: “It (the visit) means a lot to us. We’re all very proud to represent England, and therefore representing the Prince and his family. It’s very important to us that we do everybody proud.
“(He) just (has a) a genuine interest in us and our well-being, and how we cope with everything. How somebody so important can make you feel so comfortable and has a genuine interest in how you are, it says a lot about him I think."
William has previously spoken about his eldest George's love of the sport, with the youngster accompanying his dad to England's Euro games last Summer.
The eight-year-old was said to have "begged" his dad to take him as the Three Lions made it all the way to the final of the competition where they eventually missed out to Italy.
Whilst George would not usually have attended, not least because Kate and William try to limit their children's exposure to the media, the Duke was eventually persuaded. During his visit on Wednesday, he told captain Leah that George plays for the local team. "He gets very competitive," he quipped.
