Prince William caught the attention of fans on Tuesday when he turned up in a pair of sleek white trainers for a community event in south London hosted by the NFL Foundation UK.
Known for his polished style and sharp suits, the 42-year-old royal surprised many by opting for a sporty look, swapping his usual dress shoes for chunky trainers—a style often favored by his wife, Princess Kate.
Princess Kate is frequently seen wearing trainers, including her favorite Vejas, alongside pairs from brands like Superga, New Balance, Nike, Adidas, and M&S. William’s choice sparked excitement among royal watchers, with one fan writing, “Do you think he’ll be a ‘cool’ king? Will he wear them to his coronation?” Another noted, “It’s nice to see him a bit more relaxed meeting the lads,” while a third commented, “He wore them last year for Earthshot.”
During the event, William actively participated in several football drills and showcased his skills as a quarterback. Louis Rees-Zammit, former Welsh rugby player, praised William’s ability, saying, “He can throw the ball. He can throw it better than me! He can get a great spiral on it, unlike me!” Phoebe Schecter, captain of GB women’s flag football team, added, “His arm strength is incredible. I couldn’t believe how far he could throw it. He did an amazing job. Very coachable.”
The NFL Foundation UK focuses on empowering young people aged 12 to 20 by introducing them to the sport and addressing inequality through grants, training, and equipment for local organizations.
Prince William, a passionate sports fan, serves as patron of the Welsh Rugby Union since 2007 and became patron of the Football Association in 2024, after previously serving as its president.
This event followed his recent visit to Birtley Community Pool in Tyne and Wear, where he shared an adorable family moment, revealing that his son Prince George has developed a love for scuba diving.
“George loves scuba diving. We thought he’d be scared when he first tried it, but he loved it,” William said. “It’s opened up the world of water to him.” He also mentioned, “Catherine and I both adore swimming.”
