Prince William's 'unusual' trademark request amid rumours he's heading to the US

01 October 2023 , 08:16

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Prince William is a keen runner (Image: Getty Images)

Prince William has sparked rumours he is planning to host a massive new event in the US after reportedly filing an "unusual" trademark request.

The Prince of Wales may be looking to host a charity run in America, according to reports, as the request he filed included the wording "printed race numbers". William, who is a keen runner, enjoyed an early morning jog in Central Park when he recently visited New York to promote his Earthshot Prize.

He reportedly submitted an application to the US Patent and Trademark Office on May 12 this year to trademark "The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales". The application's address is listed as Kensington Palace, London, and the request is reportedly seeking to trademark the Foundation's name for "promotional campaigning, charitable fundraising, educational activities and healthcare services relating to mental health."

William, Kate and Harry take part in a race during a training day for the Heads Together team for the London Marathon at Olympic Park in 2017 (WireImage)

According to the Daily Mail, the application goes on to say it requests to trademark for "printed matter, banners and posters….in relation to charitable activities in the field of mental health; printed race numbers, clothing, footwear, headgear." A lawyer familiar with trademark applications said it is "unusual" to explicitly list "printed race numbers" when submitting a request.

The lawyer added: "Normally the language is fairly broad and all-encompassing but for this application to mention race bibs in particular might suggest they are thinking about hosting some sort of race or fun run here in the States?" The Royal Foundation's website says it is led by the Prince and Princess of Wales, and "mobilises leaders, businesses and people so that together we can address society’s greatest challenges."

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While visiting New York last month William, 41, addressed the room at the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit at the Plaza Hotel. Former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg gave an introduction mentioning a recent poll in which William was voted the most favoured public figure in America.

William during his visit to New York last month (Anthony Harvey/REX/Shutterstock)

He said: "The prince has clearly won over Americans of all stripes. These days, as we know, that is no small feat. In fact, the poll also showed the prince is viewed positively by 60% of Democrats and 60% of Republicans." He added: "America has not seen that kind of bipartisan consensus since 1776. But this time we're all drinking to the King's health."

Last year, Kate and William visited Stratford in East London to celebrate the 10th anniversary of a charity programme set up to carry the legacy of the 2012 Olympics. The royals visited the Copper Box Arena in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park as a part of an event with Coach Core.

There they celebrated the 10th anniversary of the programme, launched by the Royal Foundation in 2012. The royals had the chance to meet some of the young people with whom the charity works and even get a taste of the sports sessions they offer, and how they help young people's lives.

Coach Core was set up in response to the London riots and in an attempt to carry on the legacy ideals of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The charity aims to use sports apprenticeships to boost social mobility for young adults not in employment or education.

Chiara Fiorillo