England footballer Chloe Kelly has revealed a touching and humorous detail about her emotional medal ceremony at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 final — she couldn’t actually hear what the Prince of Wales, Prince William, said to her in the moment.
The historic match, held at Wembley Stadium in July 2022, saw the Lionesses claim a dramatic 2-1 victory over Germany in extra time, clinching England’s first major football trophy since 1966. Chloe Kelly, who scored the decisive goal, instantly became a national hero. Her iconic celebration — waving her shirt above her head in pure elation — has since become one of the most memorable images in English sporting history.
As part of the medal ceremony, Prince William, who is the President of the Football Association, personally congratulated each member of the England squad. It was a significant moment for the players and fans alike, but for Kelly, the magnitude of the occasion — and the sheer noise inside Wembley — made it hard to fully grasp.
Speaking candidly about the event, Kelly admitted that she couldn’t actually hear what Prince William said to her during their brief interaction. “It was so loud in the stadium,” she explained. “There was so much going on, and I think my head was still spinning from scoring the winning goal. I just smiled, nodded, and said thank you — but I had no idea what he said to me!”
Despite not catching his words, Kelly described the encounter as incredibly special and one that she will always cherish. “You dream of winning trophies for your country, but you never really think about moments like that — being presented your medal by royalty. It was surreal,” she said.
The match marked a turning point not only in Kelly’s career but also for women’s football in England. The Lionesses’ success sparked a wave of support and inspired a new generation of girls to take up the sport. Kelly has since spoken passionately about the importance of legacy and ensuring that the victory leads to lasting change in opportunities and funding for the women’s game.
Reflecting on the whirlwind experience, she added: “That day at Wembley was the best day of my life. Everything happened so quickly — the goal, the celebrations, the final whistle, and then suddenly Prince William is there handing you a medal. It was overwhelming in the best possible way.”
Though she may have missed the words, Kelly’s emotional reaction and her beaming smile said it all. The image of her holding the medal, surrounded by her jubilant teammates and tens of thousands of roaring fans, captured the spirit of a nation that had waited far too long for such a triumph.
In the end, whether or not she heard what was said, the moment will forever be etched in English football history — a symbol of joy, resilience, and a bright new era for the women’s game.
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