NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce have shared amusing anecdotes from their encounter with the British Royal Family, including a lighthearted admission of a protocol misstep and a particular fondness for Princess Charlotte. The brothers recounted the experience during a surprise episode of their podcast, ‘New Heights,’ which featured an interview with Prince William himself.
A Royal Encounter at Wembley
The meeting took place backstage at Wembley Stadium in 2024, prior to one of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concerts. The event, attended by a massive crowd of 90,000 fans, also saw Prince William accompanied by his children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. A photograph capturing the moment, with Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce smiling alongside the Prince and his children, quickly gained widespread attention online.
Reflecting on the encounter, Travis Kelce admitted to feeling considerable nerves about meeting the Prince of Wales. “That was honestly one of the coolest moments ever, was meeting you and the little ones that day,” Travis shared on the podcast, addressing Prince William.
The Beer Incident and Royal Protocol
Jason Kelce humorously recalled the anxiety surrounding the meeting, confessing to a moment of uncertainty regarding royal etiquette. “Me and Jason joke about it all the time. We were so nervous to meet you guys and the Royal Family, and Jason has this running joke where he didn’t know what to do with his beer,” Travis explained.
Prince William, featured as a guest on the podcast, responded with laughter. Jason elaborated on the situation, stating, “Yeah, it wasn’t a joke, it was real. Well, you want to be respectful and know what the protocols are, of course. No, it was awesome. And you were fantastic. Uh, the kids were great.”
Princess Charlotte Steals the Show
Amidst the discussion of the royal meeting, Jason Kelce singled out Princess Charlotte as a particular highlight. As a father of four daughters himself, he found the young princess especially engaging. “One, in particular, has become a favorite for the Kelce clan, though, with Jason adding, ‘Princess Charlotte was still the highlight for me! I have four daughters as well, so, I mean, she was great.'”
Prince William humorously acknowledged Jason’s parenting feat. “Laughing, William replies: ‘Congratulations, having four daughters. I don’t know how you do that!'” Jason responded, “That is definitely a difficult task. The hardest job!” The Prince of Wales then jokingly congratulated Jason on successfully raising his four daughters during the podcast conversation.
World Cup Aspirations and Fan Culture
Beyond the personal anecdotes, Prince William also used his appearance on ‘New Heights’ to discuss broader topics, including the potential return of the FIFA World Cup to England and the renowned drinking culture of English football supporters.
The Prince noted the unique challenge English fans might face in the United States, referencing their reputation for enjoying a drink. “I think you haven’t met your match until you’ve met a lot of beer drinkers from the UK,” he cautioned the NFL hosts. “We can handle our own beer to anyone.”
As a former FA President, Prince William expressed his enduring hope for England’s success in major international tournaments, despite years of near misses. “I always felt like we had a really good chance,” he stated. “But as each World Cup goes on and the results don’t quite go your way… a little bit of hope gets chipped away each time.” He maintained a sense of calm optimism, adding, “I’m taking it calmly and quietly and like, come on, we’re going to do well and see how we go. But I am quietly confident, I think.”
Efforts to Host Future Tournaments
Prince William also shed light on his involvement in efforts to bring major football tournaments back to England. When asked by Jason Kelce about his role with the FA, William confirmed his support for bids to host the World Cup or European Championship.
“This country particularly is mad about football,” he remarked. “So, trying to get a World Cup to be hosted here… Or a Euros here is fantastic. I’ve been trying to do a bit of work on that. But also I think I’ll be trying to help reform the system a bit as well.” This indicates a continued commitment to developing football infrastructure and opportunities within the country.
Conclusion: A Memorable Meeting
The podcast episode offered a unique glimpse into the personal interactions between the Kelce brothers and the Royal Family. It highlighted the human side of public figures, showcasing moments of nervousness, humor, and genuine admiration, particularly from Jason Kelce towards Princess Charlotte. The conversation also touched upon significant sporting aspirations, underscoring the passion for football both within the Royal Family and among the wider UK population.
