The monarch and a sports star launched a new partnership.

King Charles; Prince George, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte.Credit : Chris Jackson/Getty; Samir Hussein/WireImage

King Charles’ latest royal event is likely to earn him some cool points with his grandchildren.

The King, 77, hosted his third Youth Opportunity Summit at Buckingham Palace, bringing together young people and leaders from youth organisations to “discuss youth opportunities and explore practical solutions to the challenges they face,” on Wednesday, June 3.

The event also served as the launch for a new partnership between the King’s Trust and Sir Gareth Southgate, the former English soccer star who also served as coach of the national team from 2016 to 2024.

Southgate, 55, has been a supporter of and ambassador for The King’s Trust for more than 15 years. His latest partnership with the King’s longtime charity arm will be focused on “creating a nationwide network of resources for young people, including mentors, coaches and courses, to build the confidence, skills and experience they need to get ready for work.”

Sir Gareth Southgate and King Charles attend a Youth Opportunity Summi at Buckingham Palace on June 3, 2026.Andrew Matthews – WPA Pool/Getty

The summit was Southgate’s latest visit to a royal residence. Last summer, he was invited to Windsor Castle for an investiture ceremony, where Prince William knighted him for his services to English soccer.

It was likely as exciting a moment for the prince as it was for the soccer icon; William, 43, is a huge fan of the sport, supporting the English national team, as well as his club favorite, Aston Villa. He is also patron of the Football Association (FA), English soccer’s governing body.

Prince William knights Gareth Southgate, former manager of England’s national football team on June 25, 2025.PA Images / Alamy

The Prince of Wales has passed his love of sports, including soccer, down to his children: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8. George joined his father at the Euro 2024 final match last summer to cheer on England, and Kate recently revealed that she let the kids stay up late on a school night to cheer on Aston Villa in a Europa League semifinal match.

The children also play a vital role in their dad’s sporting superstitions on game day.

“If we’re not doing very well, I start moving round the house quite quickly, and I put the children in different positions hoping that’s going to change our luck,” William told The Sun in March 2025.

Earlier this week, Prince William visited the England national team at St. George’s Park as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off on June 12.

During his surprise visit, the prince took some time to tour the facilities, meeting with players and staff and praising the “team behind the team” with some remarks.

“Just wanted to take the opportunity to see the team behind the team today and say thank you and good luck to all of you guys, who don’t get as much acknowledgement or credit as you deserve. Not everyone gets to see all the hard work you put in, and the entire success of the players comes from the foundations you built, so thank you,” he said in an informal address.

“Go with my blessings and best wishes to all of you. Enjoy it, look after each other and give your best, and I’m sure we will do well, so good luck,” he added

SOURCE: https://people.com/king-charles-teams-up-gareth-southgate-grandchildren-impressed-11990042