Charles and William snub Women's World Cup Final as England go down fighting

20 August 2023 , 14:55

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Charles and William snub Women's World Cup Final as England go down fighting

King Charles and Prince William snubbed the Women's World Cup Final as England went down fighting in Australia.

The monarch and Queen Camilla are currently on holiday in Balmoral and attended a Sunday church service, while rumours are rife as to why the Prince of Wales missed the landmark game - especially as president of the Football Association.

The next in line to the throne yesterday posted on Twitter to apologise for having to miss the occasion - the first World Cup final for a Three Lions or Lionesses team since 1966.

Charles, 74, drove himself and Camilla to the church at Crathie Kirk this morning and they were pictured looking in good spirits. The King sent a message to Sarina Wiegman and her troops ahead of the match against Spain after their semi-final triumph versus the Matildas.

King Charles and Prince William did not attend the World Cup Final (Getty Images)

He said: "Good luck today Lionesses, and may you roar to victory." William, 41, and daughter Princess Charlotte, eight, shared their own message of support on social media. William said: "Lionesses, we 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’ve achieved and the millions you’ve inspired here and around the world. So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves." Princess Charlotte, holding a football as she sat next to her father on a bench, added: "Good luck, Lionesses."

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The Wales family watched the game at home from Sandringham. Following England's 1-0 defeat, William tweeted: "Although it’s the result none of us wanted, @Lionesses you have done yourselves and this nation proud. Your spirit & drive have inspired so many people and paved the way for generations to come. Thank you for the footballing memories. Congratulations to Spain. W"

Prince William and Charlotte sent a message to the Lionesses - as he apologised for the no-show

Speculation has been rife as to why William, who is currently on his summer holiday, didn’t travel to Australia to support the team in person. Gerry Sutcliffe, a former minister for sport, who championed the women’s game, said: "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 and he’s the president of the FA."

Spain's Queen Letizia was supporting her team from the sidelines in Australia with her 16-year-old daughter Infanta Leonor. Spain's King Felipe is busy with other official duties and could not join his wife and daughter. Some reports claim that a matter of Royal protocol is blocking William from attending. King Charles, who became Australia’s head of state after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II, has not yet visited the country. That would mean that William cannot constitutionally visit the country before his father.

Mary Earps consoled by teammates on the full time whistle after 1-0 defeat to Spain in Women's World Cup final

Former England goalkeeper Pauline Cope branded it a "shame" that William had not travelled to Australia, saying: "This should have been pencilled in his diary from day dot, after we won the Euros and qualified for the World Cup." Veteran broadcaster Jon Sopel suggested it was "inconceivable" that William and the PM would not travel if it was the men's team playing. He tweeted: "Happy to accept might be impossible for the PM, given other commitments. But Prince William? Why?"

TV presenter Piers Morgan also tweeted: "With respect, YRH (Your Royal Highness), you should have got on a plane. Ridiculous that the Queen of Spain is attending the World Cup Final to support her nation's team, and you won't be there despite being President of the FA." Questions have also been raised as to whether Australia would have been responsible for footing the bill for William's security costs during his stay.

Spain's Olga Carmona (centre) celebrates with the FIFA Women's World Cup trophy (PA)

The Australian state of Victoria recently pulled out of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games citing ballooning costs. It is understood the British Royals may have made the decision to avoid making long-distance flights for a very short stay in Australia for climate reasons. Although they did not explicitly say this, the prince has made tackling climate change one of his priorities. In his own message after the Lioness' defeat, the King said: "While I know how sore it must be, let none of you feel defeated." He said the team's place is set in the history books and their achievements will "serve as an inspiration for generations to come". The message read: "This brings you, your manager and all your support team my heartfelt thoughts and commiserations on the result of the World Cup final.

"While I know how sore it must be, let none of you feel defeated, for to have reached the final at all is an immense tribute to your skill, determination and team spirit in the finest sporting tradition. More than that, though, it will serve as an inspiration for generations to come - and, for that, your place in the history books is assured. With great admiration, congratulations to the Spanish team and with particular gratitude to the people of Australia and New Zealand for hosting such a wonderful tournament. Charles R."

Ryan Merrifield