Prince William's subtle tribute to his favourite sport: Royal dons £185 football print tie to watch England's victory against Switzerland

When Prince William watched the Three Lions take on Switzerland at Dusseldorf Arena on Saturday, it wasn't just his intense concentration that gave away his love of football.

In a custom becoming increasingly common for the Prince of Wales, 42, he hinted at his love of the sport through his attire.

While William went without typical football merchandise, he managed to show his support with a £185 football print silk tie from the Italian luxury fashion house, Ferragamo.

The father-of-three, who is the president of the football association and an avid Aston Villa fan, donned the statement football patterned tie in navy blue.

In a less discreet show of excitement, William punched the air with joy as he watched England claw their way to victory on penalties at the European Championships on Saturday evening.

Prince William hinted at his excitement for England's match against Switzerland at the Euros on Saturday with a football-themed tie from Ferragamo

Prince William hinted at his excitement for England's match against Switzerland at the Euros on Saturday with a football-themed tie from Ferragamo

The royal jumped for joy after Bukayo Saka revived England's hopes with a stunning late goal to equalise - and again when Trent Alexander-Arnold sent the side through with an emphatic winning spot-kick.

It's not the first time that William has hinted at a passion through his choice of tie. Attending events related to London Climate Action week last month, William carefully selected a smart green tie made from recycled plastic bottles.

It's a trick no doubt passed down from his father, King Charles, who is well-versed in the soft power of neckwear.

The King's favourite pink dinosaur tie is a coded reference to his new title of Charles III Rex (C-Rex), and he often wears a tie with Greek flags as a nod to his late father, Prince Philip.

William watched the game from the stands with the likes of UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, UEFA Deputy General Secretary Giorgio Marchetti and former Portugal ace Luis Figo and later wrote a personally signed message to social media.

He posted: 'Nail biting to the very end. Well done @England! Semi-finals here we come! We believe. W.'

Known for his love of sport, William was on the edge of his seat during parts of the game and was even spotted with his head in his hands at one point.

Prince William, who has been vocal in his support for the Three Lions throughout the tournament, previously joined supporters in the stands in June as the team faced Denmark in Frankfurt.

Known for his passion for sport, William was elated when England beat Switzerland at Dusseldorf Arena

Known for his passion for sport, William was elated when England beat Switzerland at Dusseldorf Arena 

William donned a £185 football-themed tie in navy (pictured) from luxury Italian brand, Ferragamo

William donned a £185 football-themed tie in navy (pictured) from luxury Italian brand, Ferragamo

Pictured: The dinosaur tie
Charles is seen in April

The King's favourite pink dino-centric tie is a coded reference to his new title of Charles III Rex (C-Rex) (pictured His Majesty wearing the tie during his visit to University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in April)

England's Euros journey will continue with a semi-final against the Netherlands in Dortmund on Wednesday night, with the Dutch also turning around a 1-0 deficit to beat Turkey 2-1 on Saturday night. 

It comes after a clip of Prince William apparently seen whizzing around Windsor Castle on an electric scooter has delighted royal watchers.

The video, shared on social media appeared to show the eco-friendly Prince of Wales, 42, zooming around the royal residence in Berkshire on July 4.

Dressed in a blue jumper with a white shirt underneath, teamed with black trousers, the future King looked effortlessly cool in a pair of stylish sunglasses.

It was first reported in July 2023 that the father-of-three had invested in an electric scooter to zip around the Windsor estate. 

He made the purchase to speed up the three-mile round trip from the Wales family's Adelaide Cottage to see his father King Charles at Windsor Castle, according to reports. 

Last month, the Prince of Wales carefully selected a smart green tie made from recycled plastic bottles for an event on green energy

Last month, the Prince of Wales carefully selected a smart green tie made from recycled plastic bottles for an event on green energy 

Prince William, who is president of the Football Association, was pictured cheering with his fist in the air after England's goal

Prince William, who is president of the Football Association, was pictured cheering with his fist in the air after England's goal

Wearing a navy suit and a football print tie, William congratulated Bukayo Saka (pictured) after the Three Lions won against their opponents to penalties after finishing 1-1

Wearing a navy suit and a football print tie, William congratulated Bukayo Saka (pictured) after the Three Lions won against their opponents to penalties after finishing 1-1

The prince is a known environment lover, launching The Earthshot Prize in 2020 for environmental innovators to help curb climate change.  

And he is now said to have opted for a green transport option with the 10mph scooter to whizz around the 655-acre estate. 

A source told The Sun: 'It just makes sense. He whizzes up to the castle when he needs to see the King.

'It's a two or three-mile round trip from his family home at ­Adelaide Cottage to Windsor Castle so it's easier by scooter than car or walking.'

The make and model of the scooter are not yet known. 

The royal is a lover of motorbikes, having once owned a £20,000 Ducati bike, which can go from 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds. He even rode it the night before his wedding to Kate in 2011. 

However the Princess of Wales once admitted it 'filled her with horror' whenever he went on it and William has appeared to take a step back from his hobby in recent years. 

But he seems to have found a new way of getting around - and this time has sought to reduce his carbon footprint.  

Currently in the UK electric scooters can only be used on private land with the landowner's permission. It is illegal to ride them on public roads - unless they are part of a hire scheme.