Prince William has sent his personal congratulations to Harry Kane after he scooped one of football's top achievements.
The former Tottenham Hotspur player, 33, claimed the Ballon d'Or on Monday night, ending England's 25-year wait for a winner.
William, who is a huge football fan and patron of the Football Association, praised Harry's "fantastic achievement" in a message shared on Instagram.
He wrote: "Huge congratulations to Harry Kane on winning the Ballon d'Or! What a fantastic achievement and so deserved.
© Instagram / @princeandprincessofwalesSigning the message with "W", his personal initial, William added: "A brilliant captain, a remarkable player and someone who has given football fans across the world so many unforgettable moments."
He also reposted England's official post celebrating: "The best player in the world. Our 2026 Ballon d'Or winner: HARRY KANE."
The Prince of Wales has been an Aston Villa fan since he was a young boy, and has introduced his son, Prince George, to his love of the sport, with the pair attending matches together at home and abroad.
Harry Kane's evening of celebration
England Captain Harry Kane took home the men's Ballon d'Or on Monday night, thanking his wife, Katie Goodland, in his speech at London's Palladium Stadium.
"Being in London, it is extra special; it felt like a good omen," he said onstage. "Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was tough, so thank you."
© UEFA via Getty Images"To my wife, Kate, my best friend. We've been through ups and downs for sure. You're my biggest supporter. I actually felt like you wanted this more than me myself," he continued. "You always want the best for me; you sacrifice yourself to help me achieve my dreams, and I know they're your dreams as well, so it wouldn't be possible without you. This is a trophy that we celebrate, not me."
The Bayern Munich striker's victory makes him the first English winner of the award in 25 years, after Michael Owen in 2001.
He scored 73 goals for his club and country last year, beating Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal to the award.
The prize has been annually awarded since 1956 to the "best football player in the world".
Football fan Prince William's work with Harry Kane
Prince William is now Patron of the FA and previously served as President for 18 years, until July 2024.
He has previously worked with footballer Harry on mental health campaigns and supported him when England lost the 2024 Euro final against Spain.
© Photo: Getty ImagesIt comes as the Prince faced backlash over the weekend for the sale of his Brandninch Estate in Devon, part of his Duchy of Cornwall.
Residents told The Observer that they are fearing for the future of their home and livelihoods; however, it's understood that tenants have been offered first refusal to buy their homes, and eight out of nine are in talks to buy their land.
The Prince also appeared on the Graham Norton Show over the weekend as part of a special edition to mark the Earthshot Prize in Mumbai next month.
