England and Aston Villa forward Rachel Daly recently announced her retirement from international football, prompting a touching tribute from none other than the Prince of Wales himself.
In response to Rachel’s decision to step away from the sport, the football enthusiast Prince of Wales penned a heartfelt message in her honor.
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened,” Rachel wrote alongside her retirement announcement.
At 32 years old, the accomplished footballer boasts an impressive record, having secured victory at the 2022 European Championship with the Lionesses and earned a total of 84 caps.
Just a day before bidding farewell to her international career, Rachel played a pivotal role in England’s triumph over the Republic of Ireland in a Euro 2025 qualifying match.
Serena Wiegman, the manager of the Lionesses, expressed her gratitude for the privilege of working with Rachel, hailing her as the most adaptable player she has ever encountered.
Wiegman commended Rachel’s unwavering positivity, enthusiasm, and consistent top-notch performance on the field.
In his capacity as the FA president, the Prince of Wales has had the opportunity to witness Rachel’s talent on numerous occasions.
Notably, he presented the team with their medals following their victorious 2022 Euro final against Germany.
Prior to the upcoming Women’s World Cup in June 2023, the Prince surprised the Lionesses during a training session at St George’s Park by bestowing head coach Serena with her CBE in the presence of the squad.
Despite England’s commendable journey to the final against Spain last summer, the Prince of Wales opted not to travel to the event in Australia and New Zealand.
Nonetheless, he and his daughter, Princess Charlotte, conveyed a heartfelt video message to the Lionesses, wishing them luck in their endeavors.
The decision to abstain from attending the tournament was driven by the Prince’s desire to minimize time spent in transit en route to Australia.
Known for his avid support of Aston Villa, the Prince of Wales has a longstanding affinity for the West Midlands club.
Reflecting on his passion for football, he shared with Gary Lineker in 2015 his rationale for backing the team.
Recalling his school days, the Prince explained his deliberate choice to root for a mid-table squad that promised more excitement amidst a sea of Manchester United and Chelsea fans among his peers.
Amidst personal challenges, including the Princess of Wales’ recent cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment, the royal couple took a break from public engagements to spend Easter with their children.
Following the Princess’s abdominal surgery earlier this year, further medical tests revealed an undisclosed cancer, leading to her decision to undergo prophylactic chemotherapy.
Kensington Palace affirmed that the Prince of Wales remains committed to supporting his family while fulfilling his official duties with unwavering dedication.