As President of the English Football Association (FA), Prince William will front England’s campaign to host the 2018 World Cup, it has been announced.

Prince William showing his sporting side

He is to be made a special ambassador for the campaign and will be present at key moments in the process, like the handing over of the bid to the international body, Fifa in 2009. He will also act as guide to English stadiums and venues when delegates make their inspections.

FA bigwigs realize that, although he has only been President for a year, William has proved himself an enthusiastic and respected Patron. He is a very modern Prince who supports Aston Villa — a surprising choice for a London-based person — and is friendly with the England players.

An FA source said, “The Prince will be a huge asset. Firstly, because he is who he is, second in line to the throne. Secondly, because of the type of personality he has. He is at ease at any event. If we are trying to present a modern-day image, he represents that. He shows that a Monarchy can be up to date while understanding protocol. But he must be used sparingly.”

William’s first public engagement in the role is likely to be in 2009, when the bid documents are handed over at Fifa’s Zurich headquarters. The image of Prince William shaking Fifa President Sepp Blatter’s hand and presenting him with the bid will go around the world and do much to enhance England’s cause.

Similarly, when Blatter visits England to inspect facilities, he and his fellow Fifa dignitaries will be Royally entertained as Prince William shows them around Wembley.

Will the FA now use the obvious slogan– “Where there’s a Will, there’s a way”?