Prince William arrives at Wembley for FA Cup final between Watford and ...

Prince William has arrived at Wembley to greet players from Watford and Manchester City ahead of this afternoon's crunch FA Cup final tie.

But the Duke of Cambridge's appearance at the match came at the expense of attending Lady Gabriella Windsor's royal wedding to Thomas Kingston, which saw the Queen, Prince Philip and Prince Harry among the guests.

William shook hands with footballers from both teams and also the match officials shortly after meeting with BBC Sports presenter Dan Walker. 

Prince William, who is an Astan Villa fan and will cheer his team on in the Championship play-offs, said: 'I'm incredibly excited and I think next week is going to be a nervy affair for me but I can enjoy today and relax and  may the best team win.

'But I think Man City have been a bit of a juggernaut this season and have been playing seriously well so I hope Watford have got their big boy shorts on today.'

Manchester City's David Silva opened the scoring in the 26th minute after his shot deflected off Kiko Femenia and hurtled into the net. 

And Raheem Sterling added a second to City's tally when he smashed in an attempt from Gabriel Jesus into an open goal, leaving Watford with a mountain to climb in the second half if they hope to claw back this cup final. 

William shook hands with footballers from both teams and also the match officials ahead of this afternoon's crunch FA Cup final tie

William shook hands with footballers from both teams and also the match officials ahead of this afternoon's crunch FA Cup final tie

FA chairman Greg Clarke and Britain's Prince William are introduced to the Watford players by Watford's Troy Deeney before the match

FA chairman Greg Clarke and Britain's Prince William are introduced to the Watford players by Watford's Troy Deeney before the match

Duke of Cambridge walks past the Winner's Trophy before the English FA Cup final football match between Manchester City and Watford at Wembley Stadium

Duke of Cambridge walks past the Winner's Trophy before the English FA Cup final football match between Manchester City and Watford at Wembley Stadium

His appearance at the FA Cup final meant he missed Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston's royal wedding at St George's today

His appearance at the FA Cup final meant he missed Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston's royal wedding at St George's today

Prince William met with BBC Sports presenter Dan Walker in the tunnel before kick-off where he said he hoped Watford had 'their big boy shorts' on today as they face 'juggernauts' Man City

Prince William met with BBC Sports presenter Dan Walker in the tunnel before kick-off where he said he hoped Watford had 'their big boy shorts' on today as they face 'juggernauts' Man City

Manchester City's David Silva opened the scoring in the 26th minute after his shot deflected off Kiko Femenia and hurtled into the net

Manchester City's David Silva opened the scoring in the 26th minute after his shot deflected off Kiko Femenia and hurtled into the net

City are eyeing up a domestic treble after winning both the Carabao Cup and Premier League titles this season. 

But Watford, who come into this game off the back of consecutive defeats to West Ham and Chelsea, are looking to raise the coveted FA Cup for the first time in their history and clinch their first piece of silverware since being promoted to the Premier League in 2015.

An FA Cup win would also secure them a place in the Europa League next year after their 11th place finish in the league this season failed to book them a place in the competition.

Watford's training ground this week was a sunny place in more ways than one. Troy Deeney was, as usual, at the centre of it.

'Come on then,' he grinned at the man from one of the tabloids. 'Let's do this interview for your silly newspaper.'

Across the car park, Ben Foster was dashing for his car and home for the school run. 'The holidays are almost here,' he smiled.

For the Watford goalkeeper, they have already started. His Premier League understudy Heurelho Gomes is expected to start in Saturday's FA Cup final.

Midfielder Will Hughes strolled past. He is known to have team-mate Gerard Deulofeu in his fantasy football XI. Along the path, Tom Cleverley chatted amiably to a reporter he knows. Once of Manchester United, Cleverley has known big games before.

The atmosphere felt relaxed and it felt optimistic, as though something good

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