Prince William takes on a new role in England’s Football Association, a position previously held by Queen Elizabeth II.
Prince William, 42, consistently shows his support for English football. Most recently, he cheered on the Three Lions at the European Championship in Germany. As announced on Wednesday (July 24), the royal is now taking on a new role in the top-tier English football association.
Old Position Will Not Be Refilled
William, who has been the President of the Football Association (FA) since 2006, has now been appointed its patron. “The patronage was previously held by Queen Elizabeth II, and following her death, the royal family conducted a comprehensive review of royal patronages and presidencies of charities,” the association stated in a press release.
Since 1939, a member of the royal family has supported the organization’s patron in this function as president. “Given the active role of His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, within the Football Association, the position of president will not be refilled at this time,” the statement concluded.
In a post on X, Prince William has already responded to his new role. In a short clip, it is explained that the royal will take on additional patronages, including for the Welsh Guards Charity for soldiers and veterans, as well as the agricultural organization Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association.
At the environmental organization Fields in Trust, William will also transition from president to patron. The post reads: “It is an honor for the Prince of Wales to take on new patronages and responsibilities for some incredible organizations. We look forward to supporting their important work and making a difference together!”
After the ascension of William’s father, King Charles III, 75, “a comprehensive review of more than 1,000 royal patronages and charity presidencies was conducted,” Buckingham Palace announced last May. It stated that the King and Queen Consort Camilla, 77, “will continue to hold patronage for many of the charities and organizations with which His Majesty as Prince of Wales and Her Majesty as Duchess of Cornwall were associated.”
Additionally, the couple looks forward to continuing the patronage of a variety of charities and organizations previously supported by Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022). “Other members of the royal family will also take on patronage of a number of organizations previously supported by the late Queen to complement their existing portfolios.”
