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Prince William wins poppy appeal

10th November 2011

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Britain's Prince William has succeeded in making sure England footballers playing against Spain on Sunday (12.11.11) will be allowed to wear poppies on an armband.

Britain's Prince William has succeeded in overturning a ban on footballers wearing poppies on remembrance Sunday (12.11.11).

As a serving officer in the Armed Forces, who has lost friends and ancestors to conflict, William was particularly angered by the ban.

The royal, who is president of the Football Association (FA), sent a strongly worded letter to FIFA president Sepp Blatter after England players were banned from wearing the iconic symbol on their jerseys at a friendly match with Spain this weekend.

A source said: "As a serving officer in the Armed Forces, who has lost friends and ancestors to conflict, William was particularly angered by the ban."

A Royal British Legion Spokesperson added: "We're delighted that England players will be able to wear their poppy with pride.

"There are other ways of respecting the poppy than by wearing it on your shirt - the armband will do nicely. Now everyone can concentrate on enjoying the game."

An FA spokesman said last night: "We can confirm that FIFA has today agreed that the England players will now be permitted to wear a poppy on their black armbands and it will be visible throughout the game."