Prince William has made a surprise appearance on the New Heights podcast, hosted by NFL star Travis Kelce and his brother Jason, revealing that his father King Charles 'hates football' and pledging to travel to the US if England reach the World Cup final. The episode was released on the same day Travis is expected to marry pop superstar Taylor Swift.
World Cup Ambitions and Royal Football Views
During the interview, William, introduced as a 'six-foot-three prince from London, England,' was asked by Jason Kelce what a successful World Cup would look like for England. William replied: 'I think winning it.' Travis Kelce then asked if he would travel to the US for a final, to which William said: 'Definitely. If we're in the final.'
William expressed cautious optimism about England's chances: 'I always felt like we had a really good chance. But as each World Cup goes on and the results don't quite go your way... A little bit of hope gets chipped away each time. I'm taking it calmly and quietly and like, come on, we're going to do well and see how we go. But I am quietly confident, I think.'
Football Fandom and Family
The prince discussed his love for Aston Villa, recalling memories of relegation and their Europa League victory. When Jason asked if his father got him into supporting Villa, William revealed: 'Absolutely not. My father hates football. My family haven't got a particularly long history with football. There are a few of us who support teams. My football love came from friends taking me to my first match and at school growing up.'
William also corrected the brothers for using the term 'soccer,' insisting: 'First of all, I have to correct you. It's football.'
Meeting the Kelce Brothers and Taylor Swift Connection
The prince had previously met the Kelce brothers when he took Prince George and Princess Charlotte to a Taylor Swift concert at Wembley in 2024. Travis recalled: 'We were so nervous to meet you guys and the royal family, and Jason has this running joke where he didn't know what to do with his beer.' Jason added: 'It wasn't a joke. It was real. You want to be respectful and know what the protocols of course. It was awesome. And you were fantastic. The kids were great. Charlotte or Princess Charlotte was still the highlight for me. I had four daughters as well, so she was great.' William replied: 'Congratulations. Having four daughters. I don't know how you do that.'
Wedding Day Release
The podcast episode dropped on the same day Travis is poised to marry Swift inside Madison Square Garden, which has seen extensive preparations. They have reportedly invited 1,000 guests. During a May appearance on Heart Radio, William joked about receiving an invitation, saying 'no comment' before adding: 'That feels like a showbiz excuse but it's not. I'm hoping, and I'm sure there might be an invitation around, but we'll see.'
