William chats with Gareth Southgate at Ascot ahead of England's opening game

FootballSports
18 Jun 2026 • 2:36 AM MYT
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Cameras captured Prince William in conversation with Gareth Southgate earlier today, just hours before England's World Cup clash with Croatia.

The former England manager, who departed the national team role in 2024 months before Thomas Tuchel took charge, appeared relaxed during the exchange with the heir to the throne.

William holds the position of Patron of The Football Association and makes no secret of his devotion to Aston Villa.

The current England squad features three players from his beloved club: defender Ezri Konsa, midfielder Morgan Rogers, and striker Ollie Watkins.

Image from: William chats with Gareth Southgate at Ascot ahead of England's opening game
Gareth Southgate | Source: GETTY

The Princess of Wales made a triumphant return to Royal Ascot on Wednesday, attending the prestigious racing event for the first time in three years.

Catherine, 44, chose a vibrant canary yellow Roksanda creation for the occasion, a dress she has previously worn twice in 2022 – during a visit to Jamaica and at the Wimbledon women's singles final.

The striking gown features a high neckline, a cinched waist, and an asymmetrical bow detail at the shoulder, with a flowing pleated skirt falling to the ankles.

Prince William complemented his wife's bold choice by wearing a yellow boutonnière on his black morning suit.

Image from: William chats with Gareth Southgate at Ascot ahead of England's opening game
Gareth Southgate | Source: GETTY

The royal couple travelled in the second carriage of the traditional procession, following King Charles and Queen Camilla, and were joined by the Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon.

Catherine topped her monochromatic ensemble with a bespoke Jane Taylor London saucer hat in matching yellow, adorned with dramatic netting, worn above an elegant low chignon.

The princess accessorised with meaningful heirlooms: diamond chandelier earrings inherited from the late Queen Elizabeth II and a three-strand pearl bracelet by Nigel Milne that once belonged to Princess Diana.

She completed the look with beige suede Gianvito Rossi pumps and an ivory Anya Hindmarch clutch featuring a pearl clasp.

Image from: William chats with Gareth Southgate at Ascot ahead of England's opening game
Princess of Wales | Source: GETTY

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Image from: William chats with Gareth Southgate at Ascot ahead of England's opening game
Princess of Wales | Source: GETTY

Wednesday's appearance at Ascot marked Catherine's third public engagement in less than a week, following a notably active period for the princess.

She joined the Royal Family for Trooping the Colour on June 13, wearing a pale blue suit that paid tribute to Princess Diana, before making a surprise appearance at the Order of the Garter service at Windsor Castle on Monday in a butter yellow Patrick McDowell coat dress.

The princess withdrew from Royal Ascot at the last minute in 2025 as she continued to balance her return to public duties following cancer treatment.

She announced her remission in January 2025.

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