Ally McCoist is gearing up for his OBE ceremony set to take place tomorrow, where he will be receiving an Order of the British Empire honour. The former footballer-turned-pundit has been honing his “small talk” skills in anticipation of meeting members of the Royal Family during the investiture ceremony. McCoist, known for his time at Rangers, wants to ensure he is prepared for any conversations that may arise during the event where recipients briefly interact with royals.
In June, it was announced that Ally McCoist would be awarded an OBE for his contributions to football and broadcasting. With the uncertainty of which royal figure will be present at Windsor Castle for the ceremony, McCoist shared his readiness to engage with King Charles, Prince William, and Princess Anne. Should he encounter Prince William, McCoist plans to discuss football, particularly Aston Villa and Scottish player John McGinn, a topic close to the Duke of Cambridge’s heart. For Princess Anne, he intends to talk about her love for the Scotland rugby team, while with the King, the conversation will steer towards gardening, a passion of His Majesty.
Reflecting on a previous encounter with Prince William where they discussed Aston Villa onboard a plane, McCoist expressed confidence in his conversational abilities. While considering donning a kilt for the occasion, he ultimately opted for a more traditional “lounge suit” attire as per the event’s dress code. In preparation for the significant day, McCoist also treated himself to a close shave at a barber shop in Paisley, ensuring he is picture-perfect for the occasion.
As the anticipation builds for the OBE ceremony, Ally McCoist is all set to grace the event with his charm and wit, ready to engage in polite conversation with members of the Royal Family.