William supports footballer coming out as gay

The Duke of Cambridge has posted a personal message of support to Blackpool footballer Jake Daniels, who has revealed he is gay.

The 17-year-old forward became the first British man in the professional game to come out publicly since Justin Fashanu in 1990.

William praised Daniels for his courage and said he hopes it will give others the confidence to speak openly about their sexuality.

The duke, president of the FA, tweeted: “Football should be a game for everyone.

“What Jake has done takes courage and will hopefully help break down barriers that have no place in our society.

“I hope his decision to speak openly gives others the confidence to do the same.”

In 2016, William appeared on the cover of the UK’s leading gay magazine, Attitude.

The future king was the first member of the royal family to be photographed for the cover of a gay publication.

William said in 2019 it would be “absolutely fine by me” if his children come out as gay or lesbian.

Later yesterday the prince presented Olympic cycling legend Dame Laura Kenny with her damehood at Windsor Castle, alongside husband Jason who was awarded a knighthood.

Golden couple Dame Laura and Sir Jason have won 12 Olympic cycling gold medals between them and were given the titles for services to the sport.

The cycling stars revealed that William asked them if Sir Jason, who retired from racing to move into coaching, would now train Dame Laura.

She said: “He asked whether I was carrying on and whether now Jason coaches me, to which obviously I said he didn’t.”