WILLIAM PRAISES SIR KEVIN SINFIELD AFTER KNIGHTHOOD

The Prince of Wales said Sir Kevin Sinfield should have received his knighthood “years ago”. William made the comments in a television interview after presenting the former rugby league captain with the honour at Windsor Castle. Sir Kevin was among 60 people honoured at the ceremony. He received the knighthood for services to the motor neurone disease (MND) community and to league and union rugby. William described him as a “top bloke” and praised his work for people affected by MND.

Sir Kevin has raised millions of pounds for MND charities through fundraising challenges inspired by his former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow. Burrow died in 2024 after living with MND for four and a half years. The Prince and Princess of Wales met Sir Kevin in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, on the third day of his final 7 in 7 running challenge. He ran an ultra-marathon on each of its seven days. William had previously presented Sir Kevin and Burrow with CBEs at Headingley Stadium in 2024.

William said Sir Kevin showed “very quiet leadership” and turned his words into actions. He also said he had written to Burrow’s family, adding: “It’s always better to say something around grief than it is to ignore it.” Sir Kevin said he felt “massively humbled by the whole experience” of receiving his knighthood. He said he was proud to accept it on behalf of the MND community and their families. He also credited William with supporting their campaign.