Prince William makes major switch-up as he steps out ahead of big week for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Prince William showed off his sporty side on Tuesday as he joined stars for a game of cricket. 

The Prince of Wales ditched his usual formal footwear for trainers to meet players from the UK and India for a special Earthshot Prize event hosted on The Mall outside Buckingham Palace in London.

Wearing a knitted jumper and tweed blazer, William played an informal game of cricket with a team including Greg James, England captain Joe Root, Trinidadian cricketer Brian Lara, and former bowler Jimmy Anderson.

The Prince was seen making a valiant effort, taking to the crease with the bat, while Jimmy was wicketkeeper. 

He also had an attempt at bowling, though the ball appeared to go wide after it was thrown. Afterwards, the royal father of two met crowds lining The Mall and appeared in bright spirits as he took selfies.

Tuesday's outing marks Prince William's first public engagement since it was revealed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are also set to step out this week. 

The Sussexes will be in Nottingham on Thursday for several engagements close to their hearts – their first joint outing since returning to the UK in August.

Prince William's Earthshot Prize returns for 2026

The "Cricket on the Mall" event is taking place in the lead-up to Earthshot's annual awards night in Mumbai this November, and aims to highlight the close bond between the UK and India.

India is already home to more Earthshot Prize Winners than any other country, with Mumbai set to host the "biggest awards yet".

Founded by Prince William, the Earthshot Prize has been dubbed the world’s most prestigious environmental award, designed to identify, back and celebrate groundbreaking leadership in environmental action. 

The Prize is inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s Moonshot, which united millions of people around the goal of reaching the moon.

The Princess of Wales has been tipped to join her husband next month, though Kensington Palace is yet to officially confirm her attendance.

Inside the royal family's love for cricket

Prince William's bowling attempt didn't seem quite up to Princess Charlotte's standard, as the young royal was seen playing cricket in her 11th birthday video earlier this year.

Writing for The Times, former England player Michael Atherton said the young princess had a "straight arm" and "nice run-up", making for "decent bowling action". 

He added: "It's great to see a female royal who loves cricket."

Prince Louis, eight, also proved to be quite the batsman in his own birthday video, filmed during a holiday to Cornwall over Easter.

The Prince of Wales previously opened up about his youngest son's love of cricket while helping out in the kitchens at food charity Surplus to Supper in 2024, saying he "loves" the sport.

Princess Catherine has also played cricket at public engagements, and even played in heels during a 2014 tour of Christchurch with William.