Prince William was captured on camera making the 'goggles' gesture during a public outing this week, copying the trademark celebration of Aston Villa player John McGinn. The moment, which took place on Tuesday (October 13), happened as the Prince of Wales mingled with well-wishers at an Earthshot Prize event held on The Mall in London.
According to the translation of a social media caption circulating online, the clip shows William imitating the famous 'goggles' celebration when he met a young Villa fan. In the footage, William asks the supporter: "Can you make the goggles?" He then demonstrates it himself, placing his hands around his eyes. The fan mirrors the gesture back at him, with William grinning and responding: "Good man. Love it."
Fans praise down-to-earth moment
The moment has proved a huge hit with fans, who feel it perfectly illustrates how down-to-earth he really is. One user posted a string of clapping hands emojis, while another laughed, adding: "What is happening?" Beneath other photographs of the moment, someone else responded: "The future." A fourth remarked: "Outstanding," and another wrote: "Prince William. A proper Villa fan."
For those unfamiliar with football, John McGinn's trademark goal celebration is the 'goggles' gesture, where he cups his thumbs and index fingers upside down in front of his eyes. This is precisely what William did during the exchange with the supporter.
Cricket match on The Mall
The encounter followed the Prince appearing to enjoy a lively afternoon outside Buckingham Palace, where he was seen playing street cricket and posing for selfies with well-wishers. On Tuesday, William, 44, brought together cricket legends including former England captain Joe Root and former Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane for a high-profile impromptu match on The Mall.
The event is reported to have been held to mark Prince William's forthcoming Earthshot Prize awards ceremony in Mumbai, India, next month. Following the occasion, the Prince and Princess of Wales shared several photographs on Instagram with the caption: "Celebrating The Earthshot Prize heading to Mumbai with a game of cricket on the Mall! A pleasure welcoming cricketers from the UK and India to recognise the important role sport can play in bringing people together and inspiring positive action."
