Prince William Goes Full-On Dad Mode in Wheelchair Basketball Game

Facial expression, Championship, Cheering, Competition event, Fun, Gesture, Sports, Team sport, Tournament,

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 22 March 2018

In one of their final engagements before Kate gives birth to her third child (opens in new tab), the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spent a portion of their day at the Copper Box Arena in London for an event with SportsAid (opens in new tab)—a national charity helping young British people who aspire to be the country's next olympic, paralympic, commonwealth, and world champions.

William, royal who can do anything, decided he was up for the challenge to play wheelchair basketball with athletes hoping to compete in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham (the first time the sport will be featured). It seemed to be the first time the Duke had played, grinning from ear-to-ear when he made a few hoops.

Here, a timeline of the historic moment.

"It's okay babe, it's just a game. You can do it."

Wheelchair sports, Sports, Wheelchair, Disabled sports, Basketball, Team sport, Fencing, Ball game,

"This one's for you, George and Charlotte."

Sports, Disabled sports, Wheelchair sports, Wheelchair, Basketball, Team sport, Ball game, Wheelchair basketball, Basketball moves, Games,

Look at that form!

The Duke has a go at wheelchair basketball - and scores! 🏀 pic.twitter.com/AkLhdumhYBMarch 22, 2018

"I'm king prince of the world!"

Sports, Wheelchair sports, Disabled sports, Wheelchair, Basketball, Team sport, Ball game, Wheelchair basketball, Basketball moves,

"Take that, Harry."

Sports, Wheelchair sports, Team sport, Ball game, Disabled sports, Wheelchair basketball, Wheelchair, Basketball, Tournament,

Yellow, Event, Suit, White-collar worker, Businessperson, Official,

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Rachel Epstein is a writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. Most recently, she was the Managing Editor at Coveteur, where she oversaw the site’s day-to-day editorial operations. Previously, she was an editor at Marie Claire, where she wrote and edited culture, politics, and lifestyle stories ranging from op-eds to profiles to ambitious packages. She also launched and managed the site’s virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. Offline, she’s likely watching a Heat game or finding a new coffee shop.