Prince Louis’ advice to England stars that should be taken with ‘pinch of salt’

Prince William asked his children for their advice for the team, but didn’t seem convinced by the responses (Picture: REX/PA)

With less than a week until England’s first match in the Euro 2024 football tournament, the squad are making their final preparations.

Today, Prince William gave them a pep talk in his role as president of the Football Association – and passed on some advice from his children too.

He canvassed Louise, Charlotte, and George on what he should say, and ‘the best bit of advice I got to ask you was to eat twice the amount you normally would eat.’

While players will no doubt need fuel to keep energy up on the pitch, it might be tricky to run if they’re doubled up with indigestion from a roast dinner.

So the heir to the throne did give a disclaimer: ‘I then had visions of all of you running around with massive great tummies and loads of stitches on the pitch so I think maybe take my youngest’s advice with a pinch of salt.’

England captain Harry Kane jokingly said: ‘We’ve got to be careful with that one. I don’t think our nutritionist will be happy with that.’

Prince William travelled to St George’s Park in Burton upon Trent to meet the squad and head coach Gareth Southgate, and present shirts to each of the 26 players selected for the team.

Gareth Southgate, manager of England men’s senior team, and Prince William, talk to players at St George’s Park today (Picture: Getty)

Prince William speaks with schoolchildren during the visit to St George’s Park (Picture: AP)

It came as King Charles was also busy with public engagements, paying tribute to the ‘professionalism, courage and humour’ of the Irish Guards ahead of the regiment’s central role in the famous annual Trooping the Colour ceremony on Saturday.

The King, who is having treatment for prostate cancer and was said to be ‘doing fine’ last week, presented new colours to Number 9 and 12 Companies, Irish Guards, at Windsor Castle.

Kate Middleton, who is Colonel of the Irish Guards in her role as Princess of Wales, missed a Trooping rehearsal on Saturday as she is still receiving cancer treatment.

In a letter to her guardsmen, she said: ‘I appreciate everyone Trooping the Colour this year has been practising for months and dedicating many hours to ensuring their uniforms and drill are immaculate.

‘Being your Colonel remains an honour and I am very sorry that I’m unable to take the salute at this year’s Colonel’s Review.’

King Charles III during the ceremony to present New Colours to No 9 and No 12 Company The Irish Guards at Windsor Castle today (Picture: Getty)

The King reviews the Irish Guards ahead of Trooping the Colour this weekend (Picture: Getty)

Her husband William has continued with public engagements, and shook hands with Southgate today, remarking how in just a few hours the squad would be ‘getting ready to go’ and head to Germany – where they have good chances of winning, at least according to ‘Mystic Veg’, a fortune teller who makes prophecies using asparagus spears.

England, who were beaten 1-0 by Iceland in their final warm-up friendly on Friday, are preparing for their Group C opener against Serbia on Sunday.

Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Harry Maguire were among those to be cut from England’s final squad.

Schoolchildren from across the Midlands were invited to St George’s Park to attend a festival of football with friendly fixtures, to mark England’s send-off.

The prince and Southgate were set to drop in to watch the matches and meet some of the youngsters taking part.

William is a passionate Aston Villa fan who often takes his son Prince George to see games.

The England Men’s team reached the final of Euro 2020 only to lose on penalties to Italy, while they were eliminated by France in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup.

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