Prince William to Attend England v France Soccer Game to Show Solidarity With Paris

Royal be one of many fans packing Wembley Stadium Tuesday night; the arena will have heightened security

By Rebecca Macatee Nov 16, 2015 7:58 PMTags
Prince William, Duke of CambridgePaul Gilham/Getty Images

Prince William will attend Tuesday's soccer match between England and France.

The Duke of Cambridge, who serves as the president of the U.K.'s Football Association, is going to the game at Wembley Stadium in London as a "mark of solidarity" and a tribute to Paris, palace insiders tell People.

In the wake of the the horrific terrorist attacks that took place in France Friday, the England v France game will have heightened security. A statement posted to Wembley Stadium's website asked that fans attending the match arrive "as early as possible" in order to avoid lines and delays entering the stadium.

It is "preferable for supporters not to bring bags," notes the security advisory, adding that there "will be increased bag searches upon entrance." Fans who haven't pre-purchased their tickets will not be able to buy them on the day, so supporters are asked not to attend Wembley if they haven't pre-bought their tickets.

There will be a number of tributes to Friday's Paris incidents, including the French national anthem, a Marseillaise, being played after "God Save the Queen," which is a change in protocol. Additionally, the F.A. reports that a minute's silence will be observed prior to kickoff. Both teams will wear black armbands during the game. Per a press release, "the England team will make a gesture of solidarity to the French team prior to kickoff."

Rob Hodgson, a coach for English, told the BBC Tuesday's game will not be a "normal friendly" one following the attacks on Paris.  "I can't deny there's something hanging over which is far, far greater than a football match," he said, adding the the match will have "massive global significance."

According to the BBC, Prince William was not scheduled to attend England v Germany Tuesday but decided to after Friday's attacks.

Watch SNL's Cecily Strong deliver a touching message to Paris and its people in the video below.