Prince William proved he’s not just kicking goals for Aston Villa but for grassroots football too, as he rolled up to Cornwall to tackle a very different kind of challenge potholes.
The Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Cornwall when in the county, beamed as he officially opened a brand new access road to Mousehole AFC, a small Cornish football club once plagued by potholes and tricky terrain.
Calling it a “privilege” to help the local community, William praised the project that now makes it easier for players, fans, and visiting teams to reach the club’s pitch near Land’s End.
In a heartfelt note shared earlier, William wrote, “Community hubs like Mousehole AFC are vital for bringing people together and helping them thrive. It’s a privilege to support the local community and see everyone’s hard work pay off.”
The Duke of Cornwall personally helped set in motion after hearing about the community’s long running “pothole nightmare.”
For years, the tiny football club had been reachable only by a narrow, crater ridden lane that caused endless damage to cars and chaos for visiting teams.
When word of the problem reached William, he and the Duchy of Cornwall teamed up with construction giant CRH to fund a lasting fix transforming access to the club and easing congestion in the neighbouring village of Paul.
Beaming as he met players from both the adult and youth teams, the Duke was praised for his hands on approach.
“You can tell William loves his football,” said Simon Taylor of Mousehole AFC. “What he did for young players on the pitch was incredible.”
And in true down to earth style, when offered a celebratory drink in the clubhouse, the Prince quipped, “I’m not going to have a cider at this time of the day. I’m on best behaviour I’d better not.”