The Prince of Wales has made a surprise appearance on the New Heights podcast hosted by Travis Kelce and his brother Jason, where he warned the American football star about England's boozy World Cup fans, joked that his father King Charles 'hates' football, and opened up about a secret plan for the United Kingdom to host a future tournament.
During the wide-ranging interview, which was released on the same day Kelce is expected to marry pop superstar Taylor Swift, William offered a blunt assessment of England's chances of winning the World Cup. When asked what success would look like for the national team, the prince replied simply: 'Winning it.'
The heir to the throne, who serves as President of the Football Association, also shared his thoughts on the unique challenges that come with hosting a major international football tournament in the UK. He revealed that there is a 'secret plan' in the works to bring the World Cup back to British shores, though he did not disclose specific details about the bid or timeline.
William's appearance on the podcast, which is known for its casual and humorous tone, provided a rare glimpse into the royal family's relationship with football. The prince did not hold back when discussing his father's lack of enthusiasm for the sport, joking that King Charles 'hates' football. The comment drew laughter from the Kelce brothers and highlighted the generational divide within the monarchy when it comes to the nation's most popular pastime.
The prince also took the opportunity to warn Kelce about the behaviour of England fans, who have a reputation for heavy drinking and rowdy celebrations at major tournaments. William described the fans as 'boozy' and suggested that Kelce should be prepared for a lively atmosphere if he ever attends an England match. The warning was delivered in a lighthearted manner, but it underscored the challenges that organisers face when managing large crowds of passionate supporters.
William's appearance on the podcast comes at a time when the royal family is increasingly engaging with popular culture and digital media. The prince has previously appeared on other podcasts and has used social media to connect with younger audiences. His decision to join the New Heights podcast, which has a massive following in the United States and beyond, is seen as part of a broader strategy to modernise the monarchy and reach new demographics.
The interview also touched on William's own experiences as a football fan. The prince is a well-known supporter of Aston Villa and has attended numerous matches over the years. He spoke about the emotional highs and lows of supporting a club and the sense of community that football fosters. His passion for the sport was evident throughout the conversation, and he expressed hope that England would finally end its long wait for a major trophy.
England's men's team has not won a World Cup since 1966, and the pressure on the current squad is immense. William's comments about 'winning it' reflect the high expectations that fans and officials have for the team, which has reached the semi-finals of major tournaments in recent years but has fallen short of ultimate glory. The prince's role as FA President means he is closely involved with the national team, and his public statements carry significant weight.
The revelation about a secret plan to host a future World Cup is likely to generate considerable interest. The UK last hosted the men's World Cup in 1966, when England won the tournament. Since then, the country has hosted the European Championship in 1996 and the women's European Championship in 2022, but a return to the World Cup stage would be a major undertaking. Any bid would require significant investment in infrastructure, security, and logistics, but William's comments suggest that discussions are already underway.
The prince's appearance on the podcast also served to strengthen ties between the British royal family and American popular culture. Travis Kelce is one of the most recognisable athletes in the United States, and his relationship with Taylor Swift has made him a global celebrity. William's willingness to engage with figures like Kelce reflects a broader effort to maintain the monarchy's relevance in an increasingly interconnected world.
Overall, the interview provided a fascinating insight into the prince's thoughts on football, his family, and the future of the sport in the UK. His candid remarks about King Charles and his warning about boozy fans added a human touch to the conversation, while his comments about the World Cup bid hinted at ambitious plans for the future. As England prepares for its next major tournament, William's words will undoubtedly resonate with fans and officials alike.
