Prince William has officially honored former England football manager Gareth Southgate with a knighthood, recognizing his exceptional contributions to English football. The ceremony took place on Tuesday, June 25, at Windsor Castle, where Southgate, 54, was knighted for his service to the sport.
Previously awarded an OBE in 2019, Southgate now joins the esteemed ranks of football legends who have received knighthoods for their leadership and impact on the game.
A Royal Tribute from Prince William
The Prince and Princess of Wales’ official Instagram celebrated the occasion with a heartfelt message:
“Congratulations Sir Gareth Southgate on a well-deserved knighthood. From your Crystal Palace debut to being England Manager. Thank you for everything you’ve done for football.”
Southgate has had a storied career, both as a player and as England’s manager, leading the national team through several high-profile international tournaments and helping rejuvenate public faith in the squad.
Southgate Reflects on the Honor
Speaking to Sky Sports after the investiture, Southgate expressed gratitude and humility:
“It’s an amazing privilege. The lovely thing is you get to meet so many people who have done incredible things for our country, so to meet other award winners was very, very special.”
Mutual Respect Between Southgate and Prince William
During Southgate’s time managing England, Prince William served as President of the Football Association (FA) and was a vocal supporter of the national team. Southgate acknowledged this strong bond:
“The Prince has been an incredible supporter of the England team… it was great to see him again.”
A Historic Recognition
With this latest honor, Gareth Southgate becomes only the fourth England manager to receive a knighthood, joining the likes of Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson—a distinction that cements his legacy in the sport.
This knighthood not only celebrates Southgate’s leadership on the field but also highlights his influence on a new generation of footballers and fans across the country.
