Prince William made a poignant trip to Leeds, which was the Prince of Wales's first public outing in 2024.
William made the trip to pay tribute to Kevin Sinfield, who has supported his former rugby-playing friend Rob Burrow since his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis.
The prince, 41, went to Headingley Stadium in Leeds to congratulate Burrow and Sinfield.
The duo have helped raise millions to work to combat Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Prince William makes poignant trip to Leeds in first outing for 2024
Getty
Burrow was diagnosed with MND in December 2019, just two years after retiring from playing for Leeds Rhinos rugby league team.
The pair, who played alongside each other from 2001 to 2015, were both awarded CBEs in the New Year’s Honours list for their charity work.
Prince William surprised the duo with their honours during the visit.
Since Burrow’s diagnosis, he inspired a fundraising drive to bring in £15million towards research into the illness.
The Prince of Wales meets Rob Burrow (left) and Kevin Sinfield during a visit to Headingley Stadium
PA
A further £8.5million was raised by Sinfield, who ran seven marathons in seven days among other challenges.
Last May, he led the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon.
Prince William spoke to both Burrow and Sinfield about their efforts to champion those impacted by MND.
As well as supporting a collection of charities, the duo have built the Rob Burrow Centre for MND.
Prince William surprises Burrow and Sinfield with honours
PA
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Prince William spoke to Burrow and his family to congratulate them on raising awareness for MND
PA
It aims to meet the needs of MND patients and their families in one building.
Earlier this week, the prince paid tribute to another sporting star, a Welsh rugby player JPR Williams who died at age 74.
He posted on X in both English and Welsh: "There was no one quite like him on the rugby field. A true @WelshRugbyUnion great, my thoughts are with JPR Williams’ family and friends."
