FA President Prince William will miss Lionesses' shot at World Cup glory
More than 80,000 people will pile into Stadium Australia on Sunday to watch England play Spain in the Women's World Cup final - but FA President Prince William won't be one of them.
The Royal took over the role from the Duke of York in 2006, and regularly attends England games and FA Cup finals. And amid the Lionesses gripping the nation following their exhilarating 3-1 semi final win over Australia on Wednesday, the 41-year-old was expected to fly down under to offer his support.
After the game his official Twitter account posted: "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."
However, Kensington Palace have since confirmed that the Aston Villa man will not be attending. According to reports, William feels a responsibility to suppress his carbon footprint, hence why he's reluctant to make the 9,400-mile flight.
Instead, it seems he'll be joining the millions supporting from back home. A television audience of 11.5 million tuned in for the win over the Matildas, with significantly more expected to be watching come 11am UK time on Sunday.
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The decision has not gone down well, with leader of the Women’s Equality Part Mandu Reid arguing he wouldn't have been so tentative had the men reached the final of their own tournament version: “No chance Prince William would be ‘missing in action’ if the England men’s football team made it to the World Cup final," she tweeted.
House of Lords member Baroness Foster added: "Unbelievable. Prince William advised not to go to Women’s World Cup final in Oz due to cost and ‘green agenda’. This is unacceptable and sexist. As Head of @FootballAssoc and a senior Royal he should be there. If it were a men’s final there’d be no debate!"
Alex Greenwood celebrates with Chloe Kelly after the Lionesses reached the World Cup final (Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! What's your score prediction for Sunday's World Cup final? Comment below.
The Prince, who was at Wembley when the Lionesses beat Germany to secure Euro 2022 glory last summer, won't be the only high-profile figure missing from the stands.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will also remain in the UK, with Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer attending instead. As is Spain's Queen Leitzia.
The news comes as the PM faced pressure from the opposition to call a national holiday if Sarina Wiegman's team were to prevail.
The official Labour Twitter account has posted: "To commemorate what would be a historic moment for the country, we’re calling on the government to declare a celebratory bank holiday if the Lionesses bring it home. Agree with us?"
After the team reached the final, Sunak himself stated on social media: What a performance Lionesses. Just one more game to go... Bring on Sunday."
Where will you be cheering on the Lionesses? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
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