On Monday afternoon, Buckingham Palace held its first ever football match on the lawns outside to mark the Football Association’s 150th anniversary.
Ahead of the match, Prince William in a speech joked: “You will be playing football on my grandmother’s lawn. One warning though, if anyone breaks a window, you answer to her.”
Prince William has organised the first ever football match at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the FA’s 150th anniversary. Photo: Instagram/Clarence House.
The Prince was making the speech as he presented 150 medals to volunteers who were being recognised for their service to football.
“This magnificent home, Buckingham Palace, is at the heart of the nation, and so there cannot be a more fitting setting to celebrate our national game, and to celebrate all of you,” William told the guests.
“At its best, football is a powerful force for good in society. It binds people from different backgrounds, communications, faiths and abilities – and gives them a common interest, a unifying identity.”
In recent weeks, preparations have been made for the football, which is the first to take place in the gardens of the Palace.
The Queen has hosted garden parties, concerts and a boxing match, but never had a football match at the London residence.
The Duchess of Gloucester is also at today’s match. Photo: Instagram/ British Monarchy.
Despite approving the event, the 87-year-old monarch will not be attending the match and will be leaving the grounds in the safe hands of grandson William, who will be joined by the Duchess of Gloucester.
The first-ever match at the Palace will see Civil Service FC, which the Duchess of Gloucester is president, play against Polytechnic FC.
Last week it was announced Prince George’s christening would take place in the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace.
Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge chose the event as it offered a more personal and intimate setting for the service, which will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
