Football fan Prince William gives honours to star athletes

The Prince of Wales handed out honours to some of the biggest names in sport as he carried out an investiture at Windsor Castle.

Huge stars honoured

The prince honours to Lionesses star Mary Earps and former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton as well as rugby great, Bill Beaumont.

It’s no secret the Prince is a fan of football. He is often seen at matches and is the President of the English Football Association. The honours are timely for the two athletes. Earps was voted BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year last year while Shilton holds the record for the most international caps for the England men’s national team with 125 appearances.

Because of her services to associations football, Earps was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire. Meanwhile, Shilton received the honour of Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his services to sport and his work towards the prevention of harm from gambling.

Also honoured was rugby great, Sir Bill Beaumont.

Poignant tribute from William

And there was a poignant moment for the Prince of Wales as he presented an MBE to Claire van Straubenzee for her charity work. Prince William and his brother, Prince Harry, were close friends of Claire’s son, Henry, who was killed in a car accident in 2002.

Since them, Claire van Straubenzee MBE has worked tirelessly for charity in his memory.

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