Prince William made a guest appearance on the "New Heights" sports podcast hosted by NFL star Travis Kelce and his brother Jason Kelce on Friday, July 3, 2026.
The 28-minute episode, recorded weeks earlier, saw the Prince of Wales share insights into his role with the Football Association and correct the American hosts on football terminology.
The broadcast came hours before Travis Kelce and pop icon Taylor Swift were reportedly scheduled to wed at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Jason Kelce opened the show with a theatrical introduction, listing the prince's official titles before welcoming him.
"Our guest today is the 6 foot 3' Prince from London, England," Jason Kelce said.
He detailed the prince's positions, including president of the English Football Association and vice royal patron of the Welsh Rugby Union.
"That's right.
The president of the English Football Association, the Vice Royal Patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, the Duke of Cambridge, the Duke of Cornwall, the Lord of the Isles, Prince and Great Steward of Scotland, Earl of Chester, and the Prince of Wales," Jason Kelce continued.
The introduction ended with a call to the podcast's audience: "92 percenters, please welcome his Royal Highness, Prince William!"
Travis Kelce applauded and bowed on screen as the prince reacted to the grand opening.
"Let's go!" shouted Travis Kelce.
Prince William expressed amusement at the elaborate introduction. "That is quite the intro, guys.
Amazing," he said.
Travis Kelce emphasized that the high-profile visitor deserved a significant welcome. "We had to do it big for you, had to do it big," he said.
World Cup and US Visit
The conversation shifted toward international tournaments and whether the prince would visit the United States, which is co-hosting the World Cup.
"They make it to the finals, you're gonna make the trip across the pond?" Travis Kelce asked.
Prince William confirmed he would attend under specific conditions. "Definitely.
If we're in the finals," he said.
Travis Kelce shared his excitement about the potential royal visit. "Oh, I love it, man," he said.
Prince William extended an open expectation to meet both brothers at the final. "Well, maybe.
Maybe. See you both there for the final," he said.
The hosts then asked about the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. "America is turning 250 years this year.
Be honest. Are you surprised we made it?"
Jason Kelce asked.
The prince joked about historical tensions before reaffirming the strong alliance. "There were times...
There were times..." he teased.
He noted the enduring relationship between the UK and the US. "But I'd like to think the UK and the US would be together for those 250 years.
Oh, yeah, it's a good brotherhood," he said.
Jason Kelce recalled a previous interaction at Wembley Stadium, noting his unfamiliarity with royal etiquette while holding a beverage.
"Yeah, it wasn't a joke. It was real.
Well, you want to be respectful and know the protocols," he said.
He added that meeting Princess Charlotte remained the most memorable part of his experience. "Princess Charlotte was still the highlight for me.
I had four daughters as well, so, I mean, she was great," he said.
Prince William responded with encouragement regarding raising a large family. "Now, congratulations.
Having four daughters. I don't know how you do that," he said.
Jason Kelce acknowledged the effort required. "That is definitely a difficult task.
The hardest job," he said.
Football Passion and Aston Villa
When asked about a successful tournament for England under manager Thomas Tuchel, the prince stated his high expectations.
"I think winning it," he said.
He praised Tuchel's tactical adjustments and aggressive playstyle.
"Thomas, I think, prefers to go a bit more out there - and if we lose, we lose playing the way we want to play.
And if you're going to score four goals, we'll score five. And I think that's a really good attitude," he said.
The prince explained how his dedication to Aston Villa deepened during a difficult period 26 years after his first match against Bolton.
"So I think weirdly, this sounds very odd, but I got into football more than ever when we got relegated," he said.
He described how the demotion changed his perspective.
"So when Aston Villa went from Premiership to Championship, I suddenly really enjoyed the battle to get back in the Premiership," he said.
He admitted the team's performance directly influences his weekly mood. "My weekend goes from being either the best we can in the world when we win...
Or frankly, I don't want to see anyone on Monday morning because I'm really down," he said.
Travis Kelce asked if the love for the sport was passed down through the royal family.
"Did your dad get you into Aston Villa or is this your own doing?" he asked.
The prince clarified that King Charles does not share his enthusiasm. "Absolutely not.
My father hates football," he said.
He also noted that traditional stadium atmospheres contain elements unsuitable for broadcast. "Those rowdy evenings, those long afternoons, a few drinks, the social elements of it.
You know, there are plenty of chants you guys don't want to hear. They're pretty spicy.
They're quite rude to broadcast," he said.
When asked about his administrative strategy as FA president, he provided a concise philosophy. "Just don't mess up," he said.
He concluded by naming top historic players for an English football monument, highlighting the legacy of the current captain.
"Harry Kane could end up being one of the greatest English strikers we've ever seen," he said.
