Manchester City star opts against shaking Prince William’s hand during FA Cup final

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

|

GB NEWS

Ben McCaffrey

By Ben McCaffrey


Published: 16/05/2026

- 15:56

Updated: 16/05/2026

- 17:01

Goalkeeper James Trafford instead offered a fistbump

A Manchester City player chose against shaking the hand of Prince William ahead of today's FA Cup final against Chelsea.

The Prince of Wales is in attendance for this afternoon's crucial match at Wembley, where he will present the trophy to the victor.


Prior to kick-off, William could be seen in the tunnel alongside both teams before walking out onto the esteemed Wembley pitch, underneath the legendary arch.

As is standard procedure, the prince was individually introduced to all players from both sides by the captains, along with the officials, where he shook their hands.

However, Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford actually refused to shake His Royal Highness's hand, as he was wearing his goalkeeper gloves.

The English shotstopper could be seen apologising to William, offering a rather unroyal fistbump instead, with a beaming smile on his face.

Ironically, Trafford's counterpart in the Chelsea net, Robert Sanchez, chose to shake the prince's hand, despite also wearing his gloves.

William is attending this afternoon's in his official capacity as President and Patron of the Football Association, a role he has now held for two decades.

Prince William, James Trafford

A Manchester City player chose against shaking the hand of Prince William ahead of today's FA Cup final against Chelsea

|

BBC

Prince William, James Trafford

James Trafford could be seen apologising to William, offering a rather unroyal fistbump instead, with a beaming smile on his face.

|

BBC

Robert Sanchez, Prince William

James Trafford's counterpart in the Chelsea net, Robert Sanchez, chose to shake the prince's hand, despite also wearing his gloves

|

BBC

Manchester City arrive at Wembley as clear favourites, aiming to secure a domestic double following their League Cup triumph over Arsenal in March.

Pep Guardiola's squad has achieved something unprecedented this season, becoming the first club in history to reach four successive FA Cup finals.

Their record in these occasions has been mixed, however, with victories in 2019 and 2023 offset by defeats to Manchester United and Crystal Palace in recent years.

The Cityzens remain firmly in contention for the Premier League title with two fixtures remaining, though a recent draw at Everton may prove costly, with Arsenal winning to regain their two-point advantage.

Prince William, Pep Guardiola

The prince enjoyed a brief chat with legendary Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola

|

GETTY

Guardiola has claimed six league titles since taking charge a decade ago.

Chelsea's campaign stands in stark contrast, plagued by considerable instability throughout.

The Blues have cycled through three managers this season, with Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior both departing before Calum McFarlane took temporary charge.

Their Premier League form has been dismal, managing just a single point from seven matches, that solitary draw coming against Liverpool last weekend.

During this wretched run, only FA Cup victories over Port Vale and Leeds United have provided any respite.

The final represents Chelsea's clearest path to Europa League qualification, with qualification through the league looking highly unlikely.

Their last triumph in this competition came in 2018 against Manchester United.

William's presence at Wembley marks the first of two cup finals he is set to attend within five days.

Prince William

Prince William entered the esteemed Wembley pitch along with the players

|

GETTY

The devoted Aston Villa supporter is expected to travel to Istanbul on Wednesday to watch his beloved club contest the Europa League final against German opponents SC Freiburg.

The prince was photographed celebrating at Villa Park as his side thrashed Nottingham Forest 4-0 to secure their place in the final.

"Did you see his face last week?" one Kensington Palace source said. "He will find a way."

Victory in Turkey would deliver Villa's first major silverware in three decades and their first European trophy in over 40 years.