Prince William showed solidarity with the victims of the Paris attacks on a night of high emotion as England played France in a football match on Tuesday. The Prince led some 70,000 fans in singing the French national anthem, with Wembley Stadium lit up in the red, white and blue of the tricoleur and emblazoned with the motto Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité.
The future King, who had earlier in the day signed a book of condolences at the French embassy, arrived at the stadium with Prime Minister David Cameron amid heightened security.
© Photo: RexPrince William sang the French national anthem before the match started
It was on Monday that Kensington Palace announced that the 33-year-old royal would attend the football match in his capacity as the president of the Football Association. A spokesman said the Prince wished to show Britain's friendship with France after 120 people were killed bu terrorists.
"Tonight's game is a chance to pay tribute to the bravery and resolve of the French people and the French team, who were of course affected directly by Friday's attacks," said the spokesman.
"Continuing play on Friday after the first bomb went off saved many lives and foiled the terrorists' plan to take advantage of a panicked response at the Stade de France. Going ahead with tonight's game is a powerful message of Britain's friendship and partnership with France in the face of people who are intent on dividing societies."
© Photo: RexWilliam was joined by David Cameron at the England v France game
There were more signs of that friendship before Tuesday's game. After fans on both sides sang the La Marseillaise anthem there was a minute's silence. William also laid floral tributes along with England manager Roy Hodgson and French coach Didier Deschamps.
The French players – including Lassana Diarra, who lost his cousin – applauded in a show of gratitude. Many away fans held up signs thanking England for the support.
On his sombre visit that afternoon to the embassy, the Prince was accompanied by the Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton. The couple signed a book of condolence for the victims and offered their deepest sympathies, with part of the message written in French.
"To all those who have died and were injured in the heartless attacks in Paris, and to all the people in France: nos plus sincères condoléances," the message read. It was signed "William" and "Catherine".
