**Duke of Sussex Joins Corden to Discuss Football and the World Cup**
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The Duke of Sussex made a notable appearance on “After Hours with James Corden” shortly after the climax of the World Cup final, engaging in a lively discussion that showcased his enduring British roots despite his life in California.

On the episode aired on 19 July, the Duke, who is 41 years old, joined Corden, 47, as they recapped the thrilling match in which Spain emerged victorious over Argentina. The conversation quickly turned towards the Duke’s own experiences with football—a sport he evidently still remains passionate about.

Corden, however, set the scene with an American twist, referring to the beloved sport as “soccer.” This choice of terminology prompted a humorous exchange, with Harry pointing out the slip by stating, “Why are you calling it soccer?” The lively host retorted, “Because we’re in the United States, baby!” demonstrating the cultural blend present in their conversation.
Reflecting on his own sporting history, Prince Harry shared anecdotes from his school days. Corden teased him about attending a school considered too prestigious for football, leading to a tongue-in-cheek correction from Harry about the use of the term ‘soccer’. Although the Duke admitted he played in his younger years, he highlighted a rather disappointing trajectory in football.
“I was in the first team at prep school,” he recounted, “but when I transferred to a larger school, I ended up in the E team.” His self-deprecating humour hinted at the passion he still holds for the game, despite his less-than-glorious record during his school years.
The discussion then shifted towards the recent heartbreak of the England football team, which Harry was closely following. He lamented over England’s narrow defeat to Argentina, where they led until the closing minutes of the semifinal match. The tension evidently resonated with Harry, who commented on the mental aspects of the game.
“I think it’s a mindset,” he opined, reflecting on the team’s strategy. Citing the temptation to defend a slim lead against a formidable opponent, he stressed that such a tactic might not have been part of the game plan. “You can’t try to defend a 1-0 lead against a team like that,” he asserted, indicating a sense of frustration over the unexpected turn of events.
Adding to the sports-themed banter, Corden called upon fellow English football icon Rio Ferdinand to offer insights. “You need to come on my podcast and do this with me,” Ferdinand suggested, highlighting the informal and engaging atmosphere of the show.
In addition to sport, the Duke and Corden delved into a light-hearted debate about the most well-known ‘Harrys’ in the UK. Despite expressing reservations due to his position, Prince Harry joined in the fun, ultimately agreeing with Corden and his guests that singer Harry Styles deserves the top spot.
Corden enthusiastically endorsed this choice, honouring the former One Direction star’s significant cultural impact. Following Styles in the rankings, they placed footballer Harry Kane, even though his efforts did not culminate in a World Cup championship for England. Finally, the Duke playfully tied for third place with the famed character Harry Potter. “And we’ll have a Quidditch off,” he quipped, eliciting applause from the audience.
This engaging segment served not only to entertain viewers but also to illustrate Prince Harry’s commitment to his British roots, as well as his continued interest in football—a sport that remains a cherished part of British culture. While he may reside in the United States, his heart apparently still beats for football, along with a sprinkle of cheeky British humour.
Overall, the interaction revealed the Duke of Sussex in a relaxed setting, adeptly blending discussions of football with a refreshing outlook on cultural differences in terminology, all while contributing to the jovial spirit characteristic of Corden’s show.
