Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis make key requests to William after royal engagements

During a recent visit to an NFL Foundation UK event in London, the Prince of Wales was gifted an American football to take home to his children.

In response, William quipped: "Oh, that's very kind. Never go home empty-handed! That's a crucial motto of being a parent."

The royal's candid comment offers a glimpse into his parenting style and the importance he places on bringing small tokens home for his children.

This insight comes as the Prince of Wales continues to balance his royal duties with family life, often sharing relatable anecdotes about raising his young family.

At the NFL Foundation UK event, Prince William showcased his American football skills, impressing attendees with his throwing ability.

Louis Rees-Zammit, a former Welsh rugby player now in the NFL, remarked: "He can throw the ball better than me. He can get a good spiral on the ball as well, not like me!"

Phoebe Schecter, GB women's flag football team captain, added: "His arm strength is incredible. I could not believe how far he could throw the ball. He did a great job. Very coachable."

The prince participated in various throwing drills, including aiming at targets in a net. After successfully hitting a target, William joked: "One out of two's alright. I'll retire on that. That's my NFL career." He also attempted throws at teenagers diving onto crash mats.

The NFL Foundation UK, celebrating its three-year anniversary, focuses on tackling challenges faced by young people in some of the most deprived areas of the UK.

It uses NFL Flag, a non-contact version of American football, to engage teenagers and help change lives. The charity has seen a surge in popularity, with an increasing number of schools becoming involved in flag football.

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The sport is set to be played at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Initially launched in London in partnership with the Mayor's Sport Unites fund, the NFL Foundation UK has since expanded to Greater Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds with support from Sport England and the San Francisco 49ers.

During the event, Prince William engaged with participants and asked questions about American football. He inquired about the differences between NFL and rugby, asking: "Is it like chalk and cheese?"

The prince also shared a personal anecdote, mentioning he used to play the sport on the beach when he was younger. William expressed interest in understanding the tactics involved in the NFL, admitting that if he did, he "might get a bit more into it."

Upon receiving mini footballs for his children, the royal joked: "I'll do some practice at home and see how many windows I can smash."