The Royal Family paid tribute to the 150th anniversary of the Football Association of England over the weekend. Speaking at the Connaught Rooms in London on Saturday October 26, Prince William spoke about the history of the FA, and the national love for the sport of professional football.
It was on October 26, 1863 that representatives from a dozen different teams in what came to be known as the Greater London Area met at the Freemason’s Tavern. Together, the teams formed the governing body of football for England – cementing the game as one of the country’s national pastimes.
The celebration at the Connaught Rooms on the weekend paid homage to that fateful day, and the Royal Family was there to celebrate. Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, is also the President of the Football Association, who spoke about how football can bring good to people across England and around the world.
“Globally it is a huge force for good and a lot of people love, respect and enjoy their football more than anything else in their lives.”
However, during his speech, the Duke made no secret of which club truly owns his heart, stating his intention to bring newborn Prince George to a football match on March 29 between Manchester United and Aston Villa.
“When Villa thrash Man U at Villa Park, my son will be there.”