Football figures left in stitches by King Charles – from Avram Grant to Defoe
King Charles III has a fond relationship with football.
The recently-crowned king thoroughly enjoys getting involved with the sport in every way possible – and not just through his support of Burnley.
Throughout his life, he has often rubbed shoulders with managers and players – at gala events, charity shindigs, and even at games. Known for his charismatic persona and quick wit, it’s no surprise to learn that King Charles has made a fair few famous faces laugh – and those in the football industry are no different. Here we go through the five notable times that the royal made some of those best-loved in our sport chuckle.
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Avram Grant
When Avram Grant was well into his spell as manager at West Ham in 2011, he met with King Charles at an event at Buckingham Palace, for a dinner for patrons of the Prince's Foundation for Children and the Arts.
The picture shows King Charles pointing to the former Chelsea boss while donning a wide grin. Grant looks equally delighted at the conversation, with a smile flexing all his teeth.
Jermain Defoe and Danny Shittu
In another slightly unorthodox meet, King Charles met and joked with Nigerian footballer Danny Shittu and Tottenham legend Jermain Defoe. Then-Reading player Noel Hunt also looked as though he thoroughly enjoyed the royal’s company, with all three former players snapped howling with laughter during a reception at St. James Palace in London in 2012.
The occasion was to mark the 15th anniversary of the Prince's Trust Football Initiative, a programme that helps youngsters realise their talent.
Harry Kane
Premier League superstar Harry Kane was pictured with King Charles in 2020.
The pair were on stage together at Prince's Trust And TK Maxx & Homesense Awards at London Palladium, with the Spurs striker slickly dressed next to the 73-year-old. The two look like two peas in a pod as they share conversation in front of a live audience.
David Beckham
David Beckham still is yet to get his knighthood but flattery may get him everywhere he was seen, once again, enjoying himself with King Charles.
The former England football captain Beckham was at the premiere of the Netlfix documentary ‘Our Planet’ in London in 2019 when he spoke to the king, putting his ear close to King Charles’ mouth so he could hear the full extent of the joke he was telling.
Richard Scudamore
It’s not just the players that have been seduced by the charm of King Charles. Richard Scudamore, who served as executive chairman of the Premier League from June 2014 until his retirement in November 2018, was seen having a good old jolly with the new king.
The pair were talking during a leadership reception hosted by The Prince's Trust at The Royal Courts of Justice in 2014, with King Charles possessing a huge grin as he spoke with the former executive.
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