The Duke of Cambridge made light of England defender Ashley Cole's twitter outburst attacking the Football Association when the two men met at the opening of a soccer centre of excellence.
William called the Chelsea player a "naughty boy" for the offensive tweet he posted last Friday, strongly criticising football's governing body.
Cole was left laughing on Tuesday following the comment made when the Duke and Duchess rubbed shoulders with the England squad as they toured the FA's £105 million St George's Park, near Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, before opening the facility.
The Times reported that William had apparently smiled at the Chelsea defender, shaken his hand, and told him: "If you continue to be a naughty boy, they will take your Twitter account off you."
The Duke and Duchess pose with the squad
As the FA's president William is part of the body's senior hierarchy and so could have taken offence but appears to have seen the humour in the situation.
Cole attempted to draw a line under the matter last night by personally apologising to FA chairman David Bernstein for his tweet which described football's governing body as "a bunch of t****".
Kate enjoys a joke with England squad members
The royals, making their first set of public appearances since the furore which surrounded the publishing of topless pictures of Kate Middleton, were on good form as they chatted to Roy Hodgson's England squad before being given a tour of the £100m complex.
Roy Hodgson entertains the Prince
England face San Marino at Wembley on Friday before travelling to Poland for their fourth World Cup qualifier next Tuesday.
The Royals with Hodgson and captain Steven Gerrard
William and Kate Meet The England Squad
Royal visit to St George's Park(01 of40)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge play a reaction game in the new gym during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (credit:PA)
Official Launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre, St George's Park.(02 of40)
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 09: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge play a reaction game in the new gym during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park on October 9, 2012 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson - Pool /The FA via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Royal visit to St George's Park(03 of40)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge play a reaction game in the new gym during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (credit:PA)
Official Launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre, St George's Park.(04 of40)
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 09: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge play a reaction game in the new gym during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park on October 9, 2012 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson - Pool /The FA via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Royal visit to St George's Park(05 of40)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge view the swimming pool during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (credit:PA)
Official Launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre, St George's Park.(06 of40)
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 09: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge meet ladies on training bikes in the new gym during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park on October 9, 2012 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson - Pool /The FA via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Official Launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre, St George's Park.(07 of40)
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 09: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge chats to Jermaine Defoe as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge looks on in the hyrotherapy suite during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park on October 9, 2012 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson - Pool /The FA via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Official Launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre, St George's Park.(08 of40)
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 09: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge meet ladies on training bikes in the new gym during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park on October 9, 2012 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson - Pool /The FA via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Official Launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre, St George's Park.(09 of40)
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 09: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visit the new gym during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park on October 9, 2012 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson - Pool /The FA via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Official Launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre, St George's Park.(10 of40)
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 09: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visit the new gym during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park on October 9, 2012 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson - Pool /The FA via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Royal visit to St George's Park(11 of40)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet the England coaching staff after the training session during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park in Burton-upon-Trent. (credit:PA)
Royal visit to St George's Park(12 of40)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are given a tour of St George's Park by FA chairman David Bernstein (left) during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park in Burton-upon-Trent. (credit:PA)
Royal visit to St George's Park(13 of40)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet the England coaching staff after the training session during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park in Burton-upon-Trent. (credit:PA)
Royal visit to St George's Park(14 of40)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet the England coaching staff (left to right) manager Roy Hodgson, assistant manager Ray Lewington, goalkeeper coach Dave Watson and coach Gary Neville after the training session during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park in Burton-upon-Trent. (credit:PA)
Royal visit to St George's Park(15 of40)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet the England players after the training session during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park in Burton-upon-Trent. (credit:PA)
Royal visit to St George's Park(16 of40)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet England captain Steven Gerrard after the training session during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park in Burton-upon-Trent. (credit:PA)
Royal visit to St George's Park(17 of40)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet the England squad during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park in Burton-upon-Trent. (credit:PA)
FBL-ENG-FA-ROYALS(18 of40)
Prince William The Duke of Cambridge (L) and his wife Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge speak with England football Manager Roy Hodgson (C) during the opening of Football Associations National Fooball Centre, St Georges Park in Burton Upon Trent on October 9, 2012. The Royal couple were given a tour of the 330 Acre site which includes 12 full size pitches, sports medicine and sports science facilities, two hotels and a conference centre. AFP PHOTO/Adrian DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Soccer - World Cup 2014 Qualifying - Group H - England v San Marino - England Training Session - St George's Park(19 of40)
England's Wayne Rooney (right) as The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet the England players after the training session at St George's Park, Burton on Trent. (credit:PA)
FBL-ENG-FA-ROYALS(20 of40)
Prince William The Duke of Cambridge (L) and his wife Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge (C) speak with England football Manager Roy Hodgson (2-L) and his assistant coaches during the opening of Football Associations National Fooball Centre, St Georges Park in Burton Upon Trent on October 9, 2012. The Royal couple were given a tour of the 330 Acre site which includes 12 full size pitches, sports medicine and sports science facilities, two hotels and a conference centre. AFP PHOTO/Adrian DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Official Launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre, St George's Park(21 of40)
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 09: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge speaks to Frank Lampard of England during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park on October 9, 2012 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson - Pool /The FA via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-FA-ROYALS(22 of40)
Prince William The Duke of Cambridge (3-R) and his wife Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge (R) speak with members of the England football team during the opening of Football Associations National Fooball Centre, St Georges Park in Burton Upon Trent on October 9, 2012. The Royal couple were given a tour of the 330 Acre site which includes 12 full size pitches, sports medicine and sports science facilities, two hotels and a conference centre. AFP PHOTO/Adrian DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Official Launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre, St George's Park(23 of40)
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 09: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge speak with the England team during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park on October 9, 2012 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson- Pool/The FA via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-FA-ROYALS(24 of40)
Prince William The Duke of Cambridge (C) and his wife Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge speak with England football Manager Roy Hodgson (L) and assistant Coach Ray Lewington (R) during the opening of Football Associations National Fooball Centre, St Georges Park in Burton Upon Trent on October 9, 2012. The Royal couple were given a tour of the 330 Acre site which includes 12 full size pitches, sports medicine and sports science facilities, two hotels and a conference centre. AFP PHOTO/Adrian DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-FA-ROYALS(25 of40)
Prince William The Duke of Cambridge (L) and his wife Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge walk together during the opening of the Football Associations National Fooball Centre, St Georges Park in Burton Upon Trent on October 9, 2012. The Royal couple were given a tour of the 330 Acre site which includes 12 full size pitches, sports medicine and sports science facilities, two hotels and a conference centre. AFP PHOTO/Adrian DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-FA-ROYALS(26 of40)
Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge looks on during the opening of Football Associations National Fooball Centre, St Georges Park in Burton Upon Trent on October 9, 2012. The Royal couple were given a tour of the 330 Acre site which includes 12 full size pitches, sports medicine and sports science facilities, two hotels and a conference centre. AFP PHOTO/Adrian DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Official Launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre, St George's Park(27 of40)
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 09: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge speak with the England Manager Roy Hodgson and FA Chairman David Bernstein during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park on October 9, 2012 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson - Pool/The FA via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Official Launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre, St George's Park(28 of40)
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 09: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge shares a joke with Ashley Cole of England during a training session at St Georges Park on October 9, 2012 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Royal visit to St George's Park(29 of40)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge pose for a photograph with the England squad during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park in Burton-upon-Trent. (credit:PA)
Royal visit to St George's Park(30 of40)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge pose with the England team during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (credit:PA)
Royal visit to St George's Park(31 of40)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge pose for a photograph with the England squad during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park in Burton-upon-Trent. (credit:PA)
Royal visit to St George's Park(32 of40)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after the England training session during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park in Burton-upon-Trent. (credit:PA)
Royal visit to St George's Park(33 of40)
The Duke of Cambridge shakes hands with England's Ashley Cole after the training session during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park in Burton-upon-Trent. (credit:PA)
Royal visit to St George's Park(34 of40)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet England manager Roy Hodgson after the training session during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park in Burton-upon-Trent. (credit:PA)
FBL-ENG-FA-ROYALS(35 of40)
Prince William The Duke of Cambridge (C-R) and wife Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge (C-L) pose for a photograph along with members of the England football team during the opening of Football Associations National Fooball Centre, St Georges Park in Burton Upon Trent on October 9, 2012. The Royal couple were given a tour of the 330 Acre site which includes 12 full size pitches, sports medicine and sports science facilities, two hotels and a conference centre. AFP PHOTO/Adrian DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Royal visit to St George's Park(36 of40)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are given a tour of St George's Park by (left to right) FA director of football development Trevor Brooking, FA chairman David Bernstein and FA general secretary Alex Horne. (credit:PA)
Official Launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre, St George's Park(37 of40)
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 09: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge speak with the England players during the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park on October 9, 2012 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson - Pool/The FA via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Royal visit to St George's Park(38 of40)
The Duchess of Cambridge is given a tour of St George's Park by FA general secretary Alex Horne (left) and FA chairman David Bernstein (right). (credit:PA)
Royal visit to St George's Park(39 of40)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are given a tour of St George's Park by Chairman of St George's Park David Sheepshanks (left) and FA chairman David Bernstein (far right) (credit:PA)
FBL-ENG-FA-ROYALS(40 of40)
Prince William The Duke of Cambridge (C) and England football manager Roy Hodgson (In red) pose for a photograph along with members of the England football team during the opening of Football Associations National Fooball Centre, St Georges Park in Burton Upon Trent on October 9, 2012. The Royal couple were given a tour of the 330 Acre site which includes 12 full size pitches, sports medicine and sports science facilities, two hotels and a conference centre. AFP PHOTO/Adrian DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)