Prince William slammed for ‘entirely inappropriate’ England appearance

Inside England's training ground for 2022 World Cup in Qatar

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Prince William has been criticised by Welsh actor Michael Sheen after making an “entirely inappropriate” trip to visit the England squad earlier this week. The Prince of Wales was pictured alongside several England stars in announcing their shirt numbers before they flew to Qatar on Monday, a move that has seen him draw criticism from some quarters in Wales.

William assumed the title of Prince of Wales following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, with his father Charles automatically ascending to become the new King.

He also holds the position of president of the Football Association and, as part of his duties, William was invited to visit the England squad at their national base at St George’s Park before they set off for the month-long tournament in the Middle East.

Footage from a video posted by the official England Twitter account showed Prince William greeting players such as Mason Mount and manager Gareth Southgate, with the royal presenting each player with their shirt, which had their name and number on the back.

England Home Stadium Shirt 2022 – Adult

£74.95 View Deal

  • From the official England merchandise store and modelled on what the team wears on the pitch for home games.
  • Nike Dri-FIT technology is sweat-wicking to stay dry and comfortable.
  • Adult sizes ranging S – XXL.
  • 100% polyester.
  • Machine Washable.
  • Free UK delivery available with code ENGWEMBLEY.

England Away Stadium Shirt 2022 – Adult

£74.95 View Deal

  • From the official England merchandise store and modelled on what the team wears for on the pitch for away games.
  • Nike Dri-FIT technology is sweat-wicking to stay dry and comfortable.
  • Adult sizes ranging S – XXL.
  • 100% polyester.
  • Machine Washable.
  • Free UK delivery available with code ENGWEMBLEY.

England Home Stadium Shirt 2022 – Kids

From £59.95 View Deal

  • From the official England merchandise store and modelled on what the team wears for on the pitch for home games.
  • Nike Dri-FIT technology is sweat-wicking to stay dry and comfortable.
  • Kids sizes ranging XS – XL.
  • 100% polyester.
  • Machine Washable.
  • Free UK delivery available with code ENGWEMBLEY.
  • Customisable with player name and number or choice of text (£74.95)

England Away Stadium Shirt 2022 – Kids

From £59.95 View Deal

  • From the official England merchandise store and modelled on what the team wears for on the pitch for away games
  • Nike Dri-FIT technology is sweat-wicking to stay dry and comfortable.
  • Kids sizes ranging XS – XL.
  • 100% polyester.
  • Machine Washable.
  • Free UK delivery available with code ENGWEMBLEY.
  • Customisable with player name and number or choice of text (£74.95)

But such a move went down poorly with actor Sheen, who used his own Twitter account to slam the decision from Prince William to take part in such a ceremony when Wales – the country he supposedly represents – are in the same World Cup group as England.

“He can, of course, support whoever he likes and as President of FA his role makes visit understandable,” Sheen said, quote-tweeting the post including the video. “But surely he sees holding the title Prince of Wales at same time is entirely inappropriate? Not a shred of embarrassment? Or sensitivity to the problem here?”

William later brushed off the criticism insisting he can support both nations, replying: “I’m telling everyone I’m supporting both, definitely. I can’t lose.

“I’ve supported England since I’ve been quite small. But I support Welsh rugby and that’s my way of doing it. I happily support Wales over England in the rugby so…”

DON’T MISS
William ‘feeling weight of divided loyalties’ ahead of World Cup
Kane makes Golden Boot claim as World Cup opener beckons
England World Cup squad standby list – stars who could still go

Sheen has been a passionate critic of the monarchy in recent times and returned an MBE awarded to him in 2017. He also questioned King Charles’ decision to visit Cardiff in one of his first acts as King.

Charles made the trip to the Welsh capital on September 16, which marks Owain Glyndwr day in Wales, a day of historical significance commemorating the occasion Glyndwr began an uprising against Henry IV.

“To choose this day, September 16 to come here as his first visit, seems full of meaning,” Sheen said. “On the one hand, if it’s chosen, deliberately, then I’m sure many people will feel that that is quite an insult to those that celebrate Owain Glyndwr who tried to free this nation from the oppression of the English monarch at the time.

“And having been told that the new Prince of Wales would take on those titles with a great sense of humility, and respect, and celebrate the history, the proud history and traditions, of Wales, and it’s quite surprising to see.”

Source: Read Full Article