Prince William has paid tribute to Gareth Southgate after he resigned as England manager.
The Prince of Wales said he was thanking Southgate “not as the president of the FA, but as an England fan”.
In a statement on X, Prince William said Southgate had shown “humility, compassion and true leadership under the most intense pressure and scrutiny” during his time leading the England men’s football team.
He described Southgate as an “all-round class act”.
“You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved,” he added.
Southgate announced his resignation after England lost against Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday.
The Prince of Wales attended the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday, where he was joined by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
On Sunday night, the Prince wrote on X: “This time it just wasn’t meant to be. We’re all still so proud of you.”
In a letter in the wake of Sunday night’s defeat, the King told Southgate and his team to “hold your heads high”.
The Three Lions lost 2-1 to Spain in Berlin. It was their second consecutive Euros final defeat, after the team was beaten by Italy on penalties at Wembley three years ago.
Southgate, 53, has spent eight years as England manager. His contract was set to expire later this year.
Southgate said: “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England.”
The process to appoint Southgate’s successor has begun, according to Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham.
Source: BBC
