​Prince William presents FA Cup trophy to iconic Manchester City duo in heartwarming moment after triumph over Chelsea

WATCH: Prince William shares never-seen-before photo of Princess Diana

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GB NEWS

Ben McCaffrey

By Ben McCaffrey


Published: 16/05/2026

- 17:58

William handed the trophy to departing City legends John Stones and Bernardo Silva

The Prince of Wales handed the FA Cup trophy to Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva and icon John Stones this afternoon, after they defeated Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley Stadium.

Prince William, celebrating his 20th anniversary as President of the Football Association, passed the Portuguese and Englishman the illustrious piece of silverware in the stands of the legendary Wembley Stadium.


His Royal Highness could be seen high up in the stands, first consoling and handing runners-up medals to the Chelsea players, as the disappointed group traipsed past William.

Then, the esteemed trophy, adorned in sky blue ribbons to mark Manchester City's triumph, was placed in front of William, before he handed it over to the two City legends.

The full-time whistle brought jubilant scenes for those in sky blue, after they were made to work hard against a robust Chelsea side.

It was January signing Antoine Semenyo who found the winning touch. He joined the Cityzens from Bournemouth for a fee of £62.5million just months ago.

Erling Haaland turned from goalscorer to provider after he cut the ball back in the box and found the Ghanaian, who added an exquisite flick to find the bottom corner.

Prince William, John Stones, Bernardo Silva

The Prince of Wales handed the FA Cup trophy to Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva and icon John Stones this afternoon, after they defeated Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley

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BBC

Calum McFarlane's side come away with their heads held high, dominating the ball for much of the game but failing to meaningfully test Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, registering just one shot on goal.

Referee Darren England waved away multiple penalty shouts from the Blues, with both Joao Pedro and Jorrel Hato hitting the deck. Neither were seen as a clear and obvious error.

But ultimately, it was Pep Guardiola's juggernaut that cantered to victory, winning his 21st trophy in Manchester, and his third FA Cup.

John Stones and Bernardo Silva

Club legends John Stones and Bernardo Silva, who are both leaving the club in the summer, lifted the trophy

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GETTY

Before picking up the trophy, Silva, who is leaving the Cityzens in the summer after an astonishing nine years of service, told the BBC: "It's really nice to finish this way.

"Hopefully, we can still have a small dream that we can still fight for the Premier League, we're going to try against Bournemouth to keep those hopes alive."

Stones is also set to leave the club after a decade at the Etihad Stadium. His last two seasons have been marred by injuries, but still has the chance to help his side over the line with two games remaining.

Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has now won 21 trophies at Manchester City, including three FA Cups

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PA

They currently find themselves two points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal, after a disappointing draw away at Everton.

Should they make up the points difference and win the league - Guardiola's seventh in 10 years - they would complete a remarkable domestic treble, after their victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup in March.