Prince William surprises Lionesses before they travel to Australia for FIFA Women's World Cup
Prince William has made a surprise visit to the training ground of the England Women's football team.
Ahead of the Lionesses travelling Down Under for the FIFA Women's World Cup, being held in Australia and New Zealand next month, the Prince of Wales popped in to wish them well.
William, who is also the president of the UK's Football Association, enjoyed a number of laughs with the team when he popped in to St George's Park in Burton-upon-Trent.
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Prince William has made a surprise visit to the training ground of England Women's football team. Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images
There was even a very animated game of foosball, with the royal seen throwing his hands in the air victoriously at one point and giving out high fives. Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images
There was even a very animated game of foosball, with the royal seen throwing his hands in the air victoriously at one point and giving out high fives.
During the visit, Prince William took on some more official duties as well – presenting a legacy cap to footballer Bethany England as well as an honorary CBE to England manager Sarina Wiegman.
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The royal joked that he doesn't usually "travel up and down the country to present them" but admitted if "there's one person that deserves this more than anyone else" it's Wiegman, who was blindsided by the honour.
William, who is also the Football Association President in the UK, enjoyed a number of laughs with the team when he popped in to St. George's Park in Burton-upon-Trent. Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images
During the visit, Prince William took on some more official duties as well – presenting a legacy cap to footballer Bethany England Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images
In a pep talk with the players, who weren't told about the royal's visit ahead of time, William said the "sky is the limit" for the Euro 2022 winners, who are second favourite behind the US to take out the upcoming tournament.
"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," William said.
"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."
Prince William, who is also President of The Football Association, gave out an honorary CBE to England manager Sarina Wiegman Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Wiegman was blindsided by the honour and called her new CBE "pretty". Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images
In April, Australia's Matildas beat England in a World Cup war- up in London.
Goalkeeper Lydia Williams told 9Honey at the time that winning the friendly was a "nice feeling" but the real excitement lies with welcoming fans to the World Cup and having the opportunity to bring the sport to a new legion of young fans at home.
The July event, which is being held in the southern hemisphere for the very first time, is being dubbed "bigger than the Sydney Olympics".
In a pep talk with the team, who weren't told about the royal's visit ahead of time, William said the "sky is the limit" for the Euro 2022 winners Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images
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