Prince William is showing his support for Blackpool Football Club player Jake Daniels, who became the U.K.'s first active openly gay professional soccer player in over three decades when he publicly came out as gay on Monday.
The Duke of Cambridge, who became the president of The Football Association in 2006, shared a rare personal statement through the official Kensington Royal Twitter account.
"Football should be a game for everyone," the message read. "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."
He signed off the note with his first initial.
Daniels made history as the U.K.'s first openly gay soccer pro in 32 years when he released a statement confirming his sexuality.
"Off the pitch I’ve been hiding the real me and who I really am. I’ve known my whole life that I’m gay, and I now feel that I’m ready to come out and be myself," Daniels's statement read. "It’s a step into the unknown being one of the first footballers in this country to reveal my sexuality, but I’ve been inspired by Josh Cavallo, Matt Morton and athletes from other sports, like Tom Daley, to have the courage and determination to drive change."
He added that he hopes his coming out will inspire others in similar situations to follow suit. "I’ve hated lying my whole life and feeling the need to change to fit in. I want to be a role model myself by doing this," he said. "There are people out there in the same space as me that may not feel comfortable revealing their sexuality. I just want to tell them that you don’t have to change who you are, or how you should be, just to fit in. You being you, and being happy, is what matters most."
You Might Also Like
A Cleaning Expert Explains the Best Way to Clean Cloth Face Masks After You Wear Them — Good Housekeeping
35 Delicious Pantry Recipes That Use What's Already in Your Cabinets and Freezer — Good Housekeeping
The Amish keep to themselves. And they’re hiding a horrifying secret. — Cosmopolitan