Chelsea defender Millie Bright was presented with her OBE by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, marking what she believes may be the first training session she has ever missed throughout her entire career.
The 32-year-old former Lionesses captain, who stepped away from international football in October, had been unable to attend an earlier investiture ceremony with William due to scheduling conflicts.
Previous attempts to collect the honour had clashed with match days or pre-game preparations, including Champions League fixtures.
The ceremony at the royal residence finally allowed Bright to officially receive the recognition, with her parents, grandmother, pregnant sister and agent all present to witness the occasion.
Chelsea defender Millie Bright was presented with her OBE by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, marking what she believes may be the first training session she has ever missed throughout her entire career.
|PA
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
Speaking to the Press Association inside Windsor Castle, Bright reflected on her decision to prioritise the investiture over her club commitments.
"I've had to miss training today, which I don't think I've missed one session in my whole career so far," she said.
"But I think, for the Royal Highness, I think I can miss a day's training to receive this."
The defender explained that scheduling had repeatedly prevented her from attending previous ceremonies.
The 32-year-old former Lionesses captain, who stepped away from international football in October, had been unable to attend an earlier investiture ceremony with William due to scheduling conflicts.
|PA
"It's always fallen on a game day or day before a game, and then I'm like, 'ah, it's the Champions League, it's really important'," she added.
"I don't feel like a fraud having OBE next to my name now that I've officially received it."
William, a supporter of Aston Villa, demonstrated his genuine interest in the women's game during their conversation, according to Bright.
The prince enquired about when the transfer window closes and mentioned that he is "always looking for news in the women's game," she revealed.
Bright said she believes William "genuinely is a fan of the women's game and he's been a massive supporter for the Lionesses".
|PA
He also expressed concern for her wellbeing, asking whether she was "well and healthy" following her knee problems as Chelsea prepares for a demanding fixture schedule.
Bright said she believes William "genuinely is a fan of the women's game and he's been a massive supporter for the Lionesses".
"All the tournaments that I've played in, he's always wished us well and kind of come and met us before we've headed off," she added.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter