Prince William greeted a triumphant Pep Guardiola at the top of the Wembley steps and, as he handed him his winner’s medal, could be seen saying the words: ‘Another one, hey!’
The Manchester City manager, who was collecting his 20th major trophy with the club, had said in the build up that one of the traditions he likes about the FA Cup final is the fact royalty are in attendance.
The Prince of Wales, a big Aston Villa fan, was the centre of attention last week as he celebrated wildly when Villa came from behind to beat Nottingham Forest in their Europa League semi-final.
It has also been reported by Palace sources, Kensington rather than Selhurst Park, that he is likely to be in Istanbul for next Wednesday’s final against Freiburg.
However, he was on domestic cup duty on Saturday as City saw off the challenge of Chelsea to win their second trophy this season, following a Carabao Cup triumph over Arsenal in March.
As City’s players and Guardiola went to collect their medals, they shook hands with those in the Royal Box.
Prince William had a cheeky message for Pep Guardiola after Man City won the FA Cup
City beat Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley on Saturday as Guardiola won another trophy with the club
When Guardiola approached, he hugged FA chair Debbie Hewitt, before he greeted Prince William.
The Prince of Wales had a big smile on his face and said: ‘Another one, hey!’, before he put the medal around Guardiola’s neck and added: ‘Congratulations Pep, well done.’
He later quipped similar to City defender John Stones, who didn’t play at Wembley but took his trophy tally at the club to 17.
Prince William said: ‘Another one, well done’, and Stones ended up lifting the trophy with Bernardo Silva ahead of their impending departure this summer.
That wasn’t the last of his interactions with City’s triumphant players though, with one wholesome clip showing a rather excited Rayan Cherki asking the 43-year-old and Hewitt for a selfie as he celebrated his side’s triumph.
Prince William, who was at the FA Cup final in role as President and Patron of the FA, had earlier greeted the players on the pitch ahead of kick off.
He shook their hands, although City keeper James Trafford instead chose to give him a fistbump because he was wearing his gloves.
The Prince’s comments about Guardiola winning again at Wembley came after the Spaniard joked ahead of the match that he is ‘disappointed’ he hasn’t been given any recognition at the venue.
Saturday’s final marked the 24th time Guardiola has led out City at Wembley for the semi-final or final of an English cup competition.
Guardiola had earlier greeted Prince William on the Wembley pitch ahead of kick off
City star Rayan Cherki also asked for a selfie with Prince William and FA chair Debbie Hewitt
‘I am disappointed they have not made a stand for Pep,’ he joked with a smile. ‘So many times I have been there, at least a lounge or a box or something like that. Maybe I have to go 24 more times!
‘It is still a special place – since I went with Barcelona when I won the first Champions League with my club, and then against Manchester United second time as a manager.’
He added: ‘I have been many times since I have been here. We win, lose, win. It is really good to go to Wembley again. It’s going to be a good game. Top.
‘Everything is so nice. The pitch is extraordinary. Hopefully it will be a nice day.’
