Wiegman says meeting Prince William felt ‘like a fairytale’

Sarina Wiegman said meeting Prince William at Windsor Castle felt “like a fairytale” after he presented her with an honorary damehood on Tuesday.

The England women’s manager described the ceremony in an interview on Dutch radio station Radio 538 on Wednesday. She said William was not overly formal and helped her feel at ease by striking up a conversation and meeting her family.

Wiegman was appointed an Honorary Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her contribution to British football. She led England to European Championship titles in 2022 and 2025 and to the 2023 World Cup final. As a Dutch citizen, she cannot use the title Dame.

William presented the honour at Windsor Castle, more than ten months after it was announced. Wiegman’s investiture at Windsor Castle was also marked by a palace photograph and a message recognising her contribution to women’s football.