Prince William steps back as President of the FA just weeks after England suffered heartbreak

The royal's decision to step back from the role is motivated by his greater focus on new roles and responsibilities in Wales and as Duke of Cornwall.

Prince William will become Patron of the Football Association in a more scaled-back role.

Kensington Palace confirmed the Prince of Wales will also become Patron of the Welsh Guards Charity, the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association and President of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association.

Royal patronage highlights the vital work of these organisations and allows their many achievements and valuable contributions to society to be more widely recognised and promoted.

Prince William attended three games at Euro 2024 this summer in his role as President of the Football Association.

William watched England's 1-1 draw with Denmark during the group stages of the tournament as well as their nail-biting victory over Switzerland on penalties in the quarter-finals.

The royal also took his son Prince George to watch the final in Germany as England suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Spain.

Gareth Southgate stepped down as England's manager following the loss in Berlin and Prince William issued a statement praising his time in the role.

The Prince of Wales wrote: "Gareth, I want to thank you - not as the President of the @FA, but as an @England fan.

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"Thank you for creating a team that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest in 2024.

"Thank you for showing humility, compassion, and true leadership under the most intense pressure and scrutiny.

"And thank you for being an all-round class act. You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved. W."