Prince William, the Prince of Wales, surprised both British and American football fans alike when he took the field in Kennington Park, South London, and showcased his skills as a quarterback. In an event promoting American football, Prince William impressed onlookers with his “unbelievable” arm strength, making precise throws and demonstrating his athleticism. His participation has not only sparked excitement in the UK but also resonated with American football enthusiasts across the pond.

The Prince, usually known for his passion for soccer and his love for Aston Villa, tried his hand at the non-contact version of American football called flag football. This version, which has been steadily growing in popularity in the UK, is set to make its debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. During the event, William played quarterback, delivering accurate throws that left even seasoned athletes amazed.

Phoebe Schecter, a member of Great Britain’s women’s flag football team, who was there to guide and coach the Prince, couldn’t hold back her praise. “Honestly, Prince William was great—his arm strength is unbelievable. When he let that first ball rip, I couldn’t believe it,” Schecter said. Her admiration didn’t stop there, as she offered the Prince a few pointers, humorously advising him to “move his hips more” and “embrace his inner Shakira,” referencing the Colombian singer’s famous dance moves.

Despite the lighthearted moments, the Prince’s involvement has shone a spotlight on the rapid growth of American football in the UK. With 60,000 children in 650 schools now playing flag football, the sport is gaining momentum, and Prince William’s appearance has only amplified its appeal. Flag football, which allows players to focus on strategy and skill without the physical contact of traditional American football, has proven to be particularly popular among girls and women. The Prince noted this shift, saying, “It’s so good to see all the women getting more involved in it.”

The event in Kennington Park, which gathered children from across the country, also featured Louis Rees-Zammit, a former Wales rugby player who has now transitioned to American football. Rees-Zammit left the UK earlier this year to pursue a career in the NFL, joining the Jacksonville Jaguars. His presence further highlighted the growing ties between British athletes and American football, a sport that is gaining more attention in the UK through events like the NFL’s London games.

While the day was filled with fun and football, Prince William also took the opportunity to embrace his role as a father. When he was handed a football to bring home for his children, the Prince jokingly said, “Never go home empty-handed, that’s a crucial motto. They will love that. We’ll do some practising at home—see how many windows I can smash.” His comment brought laughter to the crowd, adding a touch of warmth to the already upbeat event.

This isn’t the first time Prince William has dabbled in American football. During the event, he shared that he had tried the sport when he was younger. His enthusiasm on the field and his willingness to embrace a new sport have endeared him even more to the public. It also serves as a reminder of his open-minded approach to sports and his desire to engage with new experiences, both as a royal figure and as a father.

Prince William’s participation in flag football has provided a major boost to the sport’s visibility in the UK. With the 2028 Olympics on the horizon and more schools incorporating the sport into their physical education programs, American football is quickly becoming a key player in the British sporting landscape. And now, with the Prince of Wales lending his support—both literally and figuratively—fans on both sides of the Atlantic are excited to see where the sport goes next.

Whether Prince William will continue his American football journey remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: his arm strength is indeed “unbelievable,” and his presence has further fueled the excitement surrounding the sport’s growing popularity in the UK. Fans are already looking forward to seeing more of the Prince’s athleticism, whether on the soccer field or in the emerging world of British American football.