Prince William greeted a triumphant Pep Guardiola at the top of the Wembley steps on Saturday as he handed him his winner's medal following Manchester City's 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup final. The Prince of Wales had a big smile on his face and said, "Another one, hey!" before putting the medal around Guardiola's neck and adding, "Congratulations Pep, well done."
The victory saw the Manchester City manager collect his 20th major trophy with the club. As City's players and Guardiola went to collect their medals, they shook hands with those in the Royal Box after securing their second trophy of the season, following a Carabao Cup triumph over Arsenal in March.
Prince William, who attended the match in his 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 goalkeeper James Trafford instead chose to give him a fistbump because he was wearing his gloves.
Guardiola 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. When approaching the presentation, Guardiola hugged FA chair Debbie Hewitt before greeting Prince William.
The Prince later quipped similar to City defender John Stones, who did not 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 was not the last of his interactions with City's triumphant squad, with one wholesome clip showing a rather excited Rayan Cherki asking the 43-year-old Prince and Hewitt for a selfie as he celebrated his side's triumph.
Royal Box Celebrations and Pitch Greetings
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.
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. The Prince's comments about Guardiola winning again came after the Spaniard joked ahead of the match that he is "disappointed" he has not been given any recognition at the venue.
Guardiola on Wembley Stadium Record
"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!"
He added: "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."
Guardiola further noted: "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."