Prince William visits Leeds on Jan. 11, 2024.Photo:PHIL NOBLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Prince William, Prince of Wales (R) meets with Rob Burrow (L) and Kevin Sinfield (C) at Headlingley Stadium in Leeds, northern England

PHIL NOBLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Prince Williamis out for the first duty of the year.

The Prince of Wales, 41, went to Headlingley Stadium in Leeds on Thursday to pay tribute to two great friends and congratulate them on how they’ve raised awareness for a debilitating disease.

Prince William visits Leeds on Jan. 11, 2024.PHIL NOBLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Prince William, Prince of Wales meets former rugby league player Rob Burrow to congratulate him for raising awareness of Motor Neurone Disease, during his visit to the Headingley Stadium

As well as supporting a collection of charities, the men have also used the money to build theRob Burrow Centre for MND. It aims to meet all the needs of an MND patient and their families in one building.

Prince William with Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinclair in Leeds on Jan. 11, 2024.PHIL NOBLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Prince William, Prince of Wales (L) meets with Rob Burrow (R) and Kevin Sinfield (C) at Headlingley Stadium in Leeds

According to theMirror, William told Burrow on Thursday, “It was you who got the nicknames out of him. He apologized to me about that. When I saw him, I said, ‘Mike, when you’re not going to mention your nicknames doesn’t mean you mention mine, it’s not fair.’ I’m sure it’s quite fun with Mike.”

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Prince William, Prince of Wales meets rugby coach Kevin Sinfield and former rugby league player Rob Burrow to congratulate them for raising awareness of Motor Neurone Disease

It was Prince William’s first appearance in public since he and his wife,Kate Middleton, whoturned 42 on Tuesday, and their children walked to Christmas Day church services with other members of the royal family.

Prince William, Princess Kate and their children on Christmas Day, 2023.Samir Hussein/WireImage

Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales and Mia Tindall attend the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church

Samir Hussein/WireImage

source: people.com