England footballer Millie Bright was unable to attend her OBE investiture at Windsor Castle yesterday, where she was scheduled to receive the honour from Prince William.
The 31-year-old defender is currently on crutches whilst recovering from knee surgery.
The Chelsea player was seen hobbling with her pet dog near her Surrey home instead of attending the prestigious ceremony, according to The Sun.
Her knee injury recently forced her to withdraw from the Euro 2025 squad.
England footballer Millie Bright was unable to attend her OBE investiture at Windsor Castle yesterday, where she was scheduled to receive the honour from Prince William
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Bright was awarded the OBE in recognition of her achievements after winning the 2022 Euros and captaining England to the 2023 World Cup final.
The former England captain announced last week that she was unable to "give 100 per cent mentally or physically" for this summer's European Championships.
Her withdrawal from the squad came amid personal upheaval following the end of her engagement to Levi Crew.
An onlooker who spotted Bright near her home yesterday told the newspaper: "Millie's had a chaotic few weeks with news of her split and pulling out of the England squad.
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England star Millie Bright recently split from her fiance and started a new relationship with her personal trainer
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"But she's as tough in real life as she is on the pitch."
The defender's absence from Windsor Castle meant she missed the ceremony where Everton manager David Moyes was among those receiving honours from Prince William.
Bright has begun a new relationship with personal trainer Dave Zetolofsky, 39, a married father of seven.
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The tattooed martial arts enthusiast has reportedly been seen moving into her property.
A source said yesterday: "Millie and Dave's relationship has rocketed. They are smitten.
"It's tough on their former partners but they are trying to navigate through the turbulence as best they can and concentrate on a future together."
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Bright has supposedly told friends that her new romance had no connection to her withdrawal from the England squad.
There is no suggestion that either party was unfaithful to their previous partners. Zetolofsky's wife Katie is reportedly "devastated" by the development.
The ceremony at Windsor Castle proceeded without the Lionesses star, with Prince William presenting honours to other recipients.
David Moyes received an OBE after meeting Prince William
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Everton manager Moyes, who received his gong yesterday, revealed that he and the Aston Villa fan discussed football during their meeting.
Bright's OBE recognition came after her instrumental role in England's historic European Championship victory in 2022 and her leadership as captain during their run to the World Cup final in 2023.
Her current recovery period marks another setback in what has been a challenging period for the defender, who has been a cornerstone of both Chelsea and England's recent successes.
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