Prince William has made a surprise appearance on the New Heights podcast hosted by American football star Travis Kelce and his brother Jason, offering rare personal insights into the royal family's relationship with football and his assessment of England's chances at the next World Cup.
The Prince of Wales, who serves as President of the Football Association, revealed during the interview that his father, King Charles III, «hates football» and prefers rugby instead. The candid remark offered a glimpse into the sporting preferences within the royal household, with William noting that the King has never shown enthusiasm for the sport despite his son's prominent role in English football governance.
When asked by Travis Kelce what would constitute a successful World Cup campaign for England, William gave a blunt two-word verdict: «Winning it.» The response underscored the high expectations surrounding the England national team, which has not won a senior men's World Cup since 1966. William, who has been a vocal supporter of the team at major tournaments, emphasised that anything less than lifting the trophy would fall short of the nation's ambitions.
The podcast appearance, which was released on the same day Travis Kelce is widely expected to marry pop superstar Taylor Swift, covered a range of topics including William's role as FA President, his hopes for the UK to host a future World Cup, and a lighthearted warning about the behaviour of England fans abroad. William joked that the Kelce brothers should be prepared for «boozy» supporters if England ever plays in the United States.
William also discussed his own football allegiances, confirming his long-standing support for Aston Villa, a club he has followed since childhood. He explained that his loyalty to the Midlands club stems from his school days, when he chose to support a team outside the traditional elite to avoid accusations of bandwagon-jumping. The revelation resonated with fans who appreciate his genuine connection to the sport rather than a more predictable affiliation with a top Premier League side.
The interview marked a significant crossover moment between British royalty and American sports culture, with Travis Kelce describing the encounter as «surreal». The Kansas City Chiefs star, who is engaged to Swift, has built a massive following through his podcast and his high-profile relationship. William's participation was seen as a strategic move to engage younger audiences and strengthen transatlantic cultural ties, particularly in the lead-up to potential joint bids for major sporting events.
Beyond the personal anecdotes, William used the platform to advocate for football's grassroots development in the UK. He highlighted the importance of community football programmes and the role of the FA in ensuring equal access to the sport for children from all backgrounds. The Prince has long championed initiatives aimed at improving mental health through sport, and he touched on how football can serve as a unifying force in society.
The podcast episode has generated significant media attention, not only for the royal revelations but also for the timing of its release. With Travis Kelce's relationship with Taylor Swift dominating headlines, the crossover appeal of the interview has drawn millions of listeners from both the UK and the US. Social media reactions ranged from amusement at the King's football aversion to renewed debate about England's prospects on the global stage.
England's men's team has come close to glory in recent years, reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of the 2020 European Championship, only to lose on penalties to Italy. The squad's performance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar ended in a quarter-final defeat to France. With the next tournament set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026, William's comments have reignited discussion about whether Gareth Southgate's side can finally end the nation's decades-long wait for a major trophy.
The Prince of Wales also hinted at ongoing discussions about the UK potentially hosting a future World Cup, either independently or as part of a joint bid with Ireland. While no formal announcement has been made, William's remarks suggest that the FA and the government are exploring the feasibility of bringing the tournament back to British shores for the first time since 1966.
