Prince William Takes on Surprising New Role After Wife Kate’s Triumphant Return

He even wore a suit

Published Mar 11, 2025

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9:19pm

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

I’m still recovering from all the PDA photos that surfaced after Prince William and Kate Middleton stepped out for Commonwealth Day. The same can’t be said for the Prince of Wales, 42, who took on a surprising new role just one day later.

Today, Prince William learned more about the referee training course at Sporting Khalsa FC, which recently launched The Reflective and Representative campaign in partnership with the Football Association (for which the prince is a royal patron). After undergoing a crash course, the Prince of Wales tried his hand at refereeing by overseeing a football (or “soccer”) scrimmage.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

In the photos, Prince William can be seen waving a yellow and orange flag in response to the play. He sported a big smile and seemed at ease, even though his suit and collared shirt limited his arm mobility.

CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The referee outing came just one day after the Prince and Princess of Wales attended a service celebrating Commonwealth Day at Westminster Abbey.

The Princess of Wales showed a major shift in body language when compared to photos of her on Remembrance Day (you know, when she leaned on Duchess Sophie for support). This time, the royal appeared extremely confident and at ease. She even sported a genuine, unforced smile when she arrived at Westminster Abbey and spotted the crowd of well-wishers, indicating that she was happy to be there.

Guess Prince William can officially add “referee” to his resume.

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Greta Heggeness

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