Prince William and Kate pay tribute to Leicester City football boss



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Large crowds gathered to see Prince William and Catherine greet the people who were killed in the crash of the helicopter at the King Power Stadium of the Leicester City football club.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge both knew club president Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who was killed along with four others in the crash last month.

Pilots Eric Swaffer and Izabela Lechowicz, along with two Srivaddhanaprabha staff members, Nusara Suknamai and Kavebad Punpare, also lost their lives after the plane collapsed shortly after Leicester's 1-1 draw with West Ham on October 27th.

media_cameraPrince William stated that he was "lucky" to have known the owner of Leicester City, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. Image: AP

When they visited the huge tribute near the stadium, the couple offered their condolences to Mr. Srivaddhanaprabha's widow, Aimon, and his son, Aiyawatt.

Shaking Aiyawatt's hand, he spoke to her carefully before introducing Kate.

According to The Sun, the king had revealed that he wished to convey his personal condolences to Mr. Srivaddhanaprabha's son, because he "knows how devastating it is to lose a parent under the eyes of the world".

media_cameraWilliam shook hands with Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha's son, Aiyawatt. Image: Getty Images

After the tragedy, Prince William issued a statement that: "I have had the chance to know Vichai for several years.

"He was a strong businessman, dedicated to his family and supported a number of important charitable causes.

"He made such a contribution to football, especially thanks to the magical season of Leicester City 2016 that captivated the imagination of the world.

"He will be missed by all the fans of this sport and all those who will have the chance to know him."

media_cameraThe couple met with members of the public. Image: AFP

Kate and William mingled with the audience when the duchess put back a Catherine Walker's gray coat with big gray and black buttons and a pleated skirt.

She badociated it with black stockings, black suede heels, a small black bag of Aspinal of London and a black bow in her hair.

Prince William, president of the Football Association, wore a navy suit.

It was a solemn commitment for the Duke and Duchess who laid a bouquet of flowers before meeting members of the public.

media_cameraKate laid a wreath at the memorial site. Image: AP

The couple also met with a group of players and members of the club's management team, before meeting with volunteers and supporters who helped to relocate the thousands of tributes left in front of the stadium on the site.

The couple must go to the stadium itself to meet with representatives of local charities supported by Mr. Srivaddhanaprabha.

media_cameraTribute to Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, owner of Leicester City. Image: Getty Images

Shortly after the crash last month, Prince William paid tribute to those who tragically lost their lives.

"My thoughts are with the family and friends of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and all the victims of the terrible Leicester City Football Club accident," he said.

media_cameraWilliam and Kate with family members of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. Image: AP

The couple is also expected to visit the University of Leicester to hear about some of the football club-supported educational programs, including a $ 1.7 million donation that Mr. Srivaddhanaprabha made earlier this year to help to fund medical research and training.

media_cameraFans observe floral tributes for those who lost their lives in the helicopter crash of Leicester City. Image: AP

Originally published as William, Kate pays tribute to a deceased friend.

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