Prince William has spoken about Princess Charlotte’s enthusiasm for football during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.
The Prince of Wales discussed his daughter’s interest in the sport while presenting former England footballer Kerry Davis with an MBE for services to association football and diversity in sport.
Ms Davis, who became the first black woman to play for England’s women’s football team, said the conversation highlighted how dramatically opportunities for girls in sport have changed over recent decades.
“When I was at school it was netball, rounders, there was no football,” she told the PA news agency after receiving her honour.
She revealed that Prince William spoke warmly about Princess Charlotte’s involvement in football during their exchange at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.
The young royal has often been seen attending major sporting events alongside her parents and has previously accompanied Prince William to football matches.
Ms Davis enjoyed a groundbreaking international career spanning 16 years after making her England debut in 1982.
She went on to score 43 goals in 90 appearances for the Lionesses, making her the team’s third-highest goalscorer of all time.
Reflecting on the growth of women’s football, she said the girls’ game still lagged behind the men’s in terms of opportunities and infrastructure.
“The women’s, the girls’ game is probably 100 years behind the men’s game,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of greater diversity and more female coaches within football to encourage wider participation in the sport.
