Prince William has shared a statement on behalf of all those "back home" in a stirring message for the British & Irish Lions rugby team.
The Prince of Wales extended his well wishes as the team gears up for their pivotal first Test match against Australia on Saturday.
"Good luck to @lionsofficial as they take on the Wallabies in the first Test tomorrow," William began in his statement.
"A classic sporting rivalry and always tough opposition! Everyone back home is cheering you on! W #Lions2025," the future King added.
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|Prince William has issued a personal good luck message to the British & Irish Lions rugby team
The post was signed off with a simple "W" initial to signify that post had come from the Prince of Wales directly.
A keen rugby fan, William is the patron of the Welsh Rugby Union while Princess Kate serves as patron of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the Rugby Football League (RFL).
William's message came despite fan outrage that no Welsh players were selected for the 23-man squad ahead of Saturday’s clash for the first time since 1896.
Coach Andy Farrell defended the decision, saying: "We are entering the business end of the tour and it is time to put in our best performance to date."
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|The message comes as the Lion's prepare to face off against longtime Aussie rivals, the Wallabies
The starting XV features four England players, with Maro Itoje as captain. Ireland dominates the selection with eight players in the starting lineup, whilst Scotland contributes three starters.
Marcus Smith has been named amongst the replacements as the Lions prepare for what promises to be a fierce encounter.
The Lions face long-term antipodean rivals, the Wallabies, at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium in what marks their first tour to Australia since 2013.
An extraordinary wave of support is building in Brisbane as approximately 40,000 British and Irish Lions fans descend on the city for the historic match.
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|The Prince and Princess of Wales are patrons of various rugby institutions across Britain
The Lions' return to Australia after 12 years has generated remarkable enthusiasm, with Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh noting record crowds at warm-up matches.
"We've seen record crowds at Western Force, the biggest crowd in twenty years at the Brumbies," Waugh said.
Saturday's sold-out fixture at Suncorp Stadium forms part of a nine-game tour across six Australian cities, with the second Test in Melbourne expected to draw 100,000 supporters.
The full Lions team includes Hugo Keenan, Tommy Freeman, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, James Lowe, Finn Russell and Jamison Gibson-Park in the backline, with a powerful forward pack led by captain Itoje.
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|William previously cheered on the Lions in their opening game against Argentina
Last month, Prince William sent another personal message of support to the British and Irish Lions ahead of their opening match against Argentina in Dublin.
The Prince of Wales said: "Good luck to Andy and the whole @lionsofficial squad as they kick off the 2025 Tour tonight against Argentina in Dublin.
"Lions Tours are always special - the history books await! W".
The Lions ended up losing 28-24 to Argentina on the night, the first time they lost their opening tour game since 1971.