Prince William presented the FA Cup to Manchester City after their 1-0 victory over Chelsea
Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales (C) shakes hands with Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola (R) beside the FA Cup trophy after the English FA Cup final football match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Wembley stadium in London, on May 16, 2026. Manchester City won the game 1-0. The third FA Cup success of Guardiola's reign ended City's run of two successive defeats in the final. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE
It wasn't the first time Prince William and Pep Guardiola have met at Wembley(Image: ADRIAN DENNIS, AFP via Getty Images)
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As Manchester City's players and manager walked up the Wembley steps to receive their medals after another FA Cup triumph Prince William was on hand to joke about just how familiar a sight it has become. Pep Guardiola has now claimed the trophy three times - alongside five Carabao Cup titles and six Premier League crowns - with John Stones and Bernardo Silva also heavily decorated throughout the Catalan boss's decade at the helm.
Prince William, who serves as President and Patron of the Football Association, greeted the players both before and after their 1-0 triumph over Chelsea. He playfully joked with the manager while also acknowledging Stones' remarkable achievements as the defender prepares to depart the Etihad Stadium.
"Another one, hey!" the royal remarked with a grin when addressing Guardiola, adding: "Congratulations Pep, well done." He then turned his attention to Stones, telling the England centre-back "Another one, well done".
Stones and team-mate Silva lifted the trophy together and it could be the last trophy the pair win before move on this summer. City's manager might also have paid his final visit to Wembley with speculation over his future.
Stones was an unused substitute for the final after an injury-hit campaign while Silva started the match as captain. Having joined in 2016 and 2017 respectively, both will depart when their contracts expire at the end of June.
Guardiola's own contract extends a further 12 months beyond that but it hasn't stopped questions over his future. When TNT Sports presenter Laura Woods quizzed the 55-year-old about the rumours surrounding a summer exit, City's manager responded with "What rumours?" before cutting the interview short shortly afterwards.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 16: John Stones and Bernardo Silva of Manchester City lift the Emirates FA Cup Trophy with team mates during the Emirates FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on May 16, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
John Stones and Bernardo Silva celebrated their final FA Cup win with City(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA, Getty Images)
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The FA Cup victory handed Guardiola his 20th piece of silverware as City boss. He could yet add number 21 this month if his team can catch league leaders Arsenal.
The Manchester club were beaten by Crystal Palace at Wembley 12 months prior but left no room for error on Saturday. A second-half strike from Antoine Semenyo proved sufficient to overcome Chelsea's challenge as they added a second domestic cup this term.
City return to league action against Bournemouth on Tuesday and round off the campaign at home to Aston Villa. They sit two points behind Arsenal so the title will go the Gunners' way if the London side take maximum points themselves against Burnley and Crystal Palace.
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