Prince William Plays Cricket With Stars Outside Buckingham Palace

Prince William joined England and India cricket stars for a match on The Mall outside Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, as part of preparations for this year's Earthshot Prize ceremony in Mumbai. The Prince of Wales batted during the event, which celebrated cricket ties between Britain and India.

The game brought together current and former players including Joe Root, Brian Lara, Sourav Ganguly, Ajinkya Rahane, Harry Brook, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Danni Wyatt Hodge, according to the event organizers. William removed his tweed jacket and batted for about 10 minutes, with stronger results at the crease than with the ball.

Root, England Test captain, assessed William's batting after playing alongside him at the event.

"His batting was pretty good to be fair. I think he’s definitely a batter rather than a bowler, but he played some lovely shots. There’s a lot to work with there." said Joe Root, England Test captain.

Root also described the setting as a memorable cricket venue, noting the unusual backdrop created by the royal landmark. The event was organized by Backyard Cricket as part of the Earthshot Prize promotion.

Brian Lara, the former West Indies cricketer, also praised William's batting ability while pointing out areas for improvement in bowling.

"He underrates himself... His bowling needs a lot of work but his batting? I’d put him as the number six or number seven batter, definitely in the starting 11." said Brian Lara, former West Indies cricketer.

The Cricket on The Mall event aimed to highlight the relationship between Britain and India through sport, according to Kensington Palace. The Earthshot Prize will take place in Mumbai in November and awards £1m to each of five winners developing solutions to environmental challenges.

Ganguly, a former India captain who took part in the match, said William showed a friendly approach while joining the players and spectators.

"He batted all right. He’s better than me at the moment because I just picked up a bat for the first time in eight or nine years. He was so friendly with everyone, simple and down to earth.

India will welcome him, cordially. He’s such a lovely natured person, smiling, shaking hands with everyone." said Sourav Ganguly, former India captain.

After the match, William greeted spectators along The Mall, taking selfies and shaking hands. Nat Sciver-Brunt presented him with a cricket shirt for Princess Charlotte, who plays cricket at Lambrook school.

Root said the event showed how sport could support the Earthshot Prize's wider message.

"It’s great to use sport to show all the good things this initiative can do." said Joe Root, England Test captain.

India has more Earthshot Prize winners and finalists than any other country, according to the organizers. The Mumbai ceremony has been promoted as the largest awards event for the prize so far.