Prince William apologises for not attending World Cup final to cheer on the Lionesses in
Prince William has apologised for not attending the Women’s World Cup final in person to cheer on the Lionesses in a video message with Princess Charlotte.
The Prince of Wales, who is also the president of the Football Association, has faced a major backlash over his decision not to fly to Australia for England’s first World Cup final since 1966, despite members of the Spanish royals planning to travel.
England will take on Spain in the final, which kicks of at 11am GMT on Sunday.
In a video posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ social media account, Prince William wished the Lionesses luck alongside his daughter Princess Charlotte, who held a football.
William said: ‘Lionesses, I want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow.
‘We’re sorry we can’t be there in person but we’re so proud of everything you have achieved and the millions you’ve inspired here and around the world. So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.’
Prince William has apologised for not attending the Women’s World Cup final to cheer on the Lionesses in video message with Charlotte
England Lionesses train on the pitch ahead of their final match on Sunday
A beaming Charlotte, dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, added: ‘Good luck Lionesses!’
The royals have been largely criticised in recent days for not planning to travel to the final, with fans of the England squad wondering if the same decision would have been taken if it was the men’s team in the final.
Meanwhile the Royal Spanish Football Federation has confirmed that Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter, Infanta Sofia, will be jetting to Australia for the match.
The pair will sit in the presidential box at the Accor Stadium, but won’t be joined by King Felipe, who is busy with other official duties.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is also not expected to attend tomorrow’s final against Spain which has fuelled further criticism – as the government frantically scrambled Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to Sydney to support Sarina Wiegman’s side.
Kensington Palace confirmed earlier this week that the Prince of Wales would not be making the trip Down Under. He will instead be roaring on the Lionesses – who are playing in their first ever World Cup final – from home.
The cost of the trip and carbon footprint were cited as reasons for the prince not to go by palace sources – but amid reports of a crunch royal summit on Monday between King Charles and William and Kate, it is unclear if this also played a role in the decision.
But as critics rounded on the prince this week, Mandu Reid, leader of the Women’s Equality Party, told MailOnline yesterday: ‘It’s utterly ridiculous that England wasn’t and still isn’t prepared to celebrate the women’s World Cup final.
Queen Letizia of Spain and her daughter Infanta Sofia arrive in Sydney ahead of tomorrow’s FIFA Women’s World Cup Final with Spain vs England
The royal duo exit a jet in Sydney on Saturday ahead of the match on Sunday morning (GMT)
The Lionesses prepare for their match against Spain, where they will be led by captain Millie Bright (left)
‘The President of the Football Association, Prince William isn’t bothering to attend, licensing laws haven’t been relaxed, there won’t be a screen at Trafalgar Square, and there’s been no word of any kind of large celebration should they win.
‘This last minute scramble to show support for the Lionesses by our leaders isn’t just embarrassing, it reveals how little they think of women’s sport.
‘You can guarantee that there’s no way the men’s football team would be treated with such disregard and disrespect.’
Royal expert Phil Dampier added: ‘If #PrinceWilliam as President of the FA isn’t going to the Women’s World Cup final we should be told why not. It’s a long way and Australia hasn’t had a visit by him or #TheKing since Charles came to the throne. That’s the problem. If the final was in Europe he’d be there!’
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will be absent due to ‘existing Government business commitments’, but will be ‘cheering the Lionesses on from Yorkshire’, a source said.
But Labour MP Kate Osborne told Times Radio: ‘We all know that if this was the men’s final, Sunak, and the FA president, Prince William, would be in attendance no matter how long the flight to Australia is.’
Gerry Sutcliffe, who served as sports minister under Gordon Brown between 2007 and 2010, told the Telegraph: ‘I think the Prince of Wales should be there.
‘I know it’s a long way and I’m sure he has family commitments but this is a unique moment, it’s the World Cup final.’
The England squad inspect the stadium and pitch ahead of their big match on Sunday
After the UK knocked out co-hosts Australia from the World Cup in the semi-finals this week, William led the way in congratulations as he sent a message to the squad: ‘What a phenomenal performance from the @Lionesses – on to the final! Commiserations to @TheMatildas, you’ve played brilliantly and been fantastic co-hosts of this World Cup.’
Shortly after the King and Queen sent their own congratulations: ‘My wife and I join all our family in sending the mighty Lionesses our warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the World Cup, and in sharing our very best wishes for Sunday’s match.
‘While your victory may have cost the magnificent Matildas their chance for the greatest prize in the game, both teams have been an inspiration on and off the pitch – and, for that, both nations are united in pride, admiration and respect.’
Fans’ disappointment was net yet over, however – as No.10 refused to say it would consider a national Bank Holiday if England won the championship.
Although Downing Street stressed the government would find the ‘right way’ to mark the team becoming World Champions, it is understood a Bank Holiday is not currently under consideration.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.