Prince William apologises for not attending World Cup final to cheer on the Lionesses in video message with Charlotte following row over his decision not to fly out for the match
Prince William apologizes for not attending the World Cup final to cheer on the Lionesses in a video message with Charlotte after arguing over his decision not to fly out for the match
Prince William has apologized in a video message to Princess Charlotte for not attending the Women’s World Cup final in person to cheer on the Lionesses.
The Prince of Wales, who is also the president of the Football Association, faced major backlash over his decision not to fly to Australia for England’s first World Cup final since 1966, despite members of the Spanish royal family were planning to travel.
Sitting on a bench next to his daughter Princess Charlotte, William said, “Lionesses, I wish you good luck for tomorrow.
“We’re sorry we can’t be there in person, but we’re so proud of all you’ve accomplished and the millions you’ve inspired here and around the world. So go out tomorrow and really enjoy yourself.”
A beaming Charlotte, holding a soccer ball in the short clip, added, “Good luck Lionesses!”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is also not expected to attend tomorrow’s final against Spain, sparking further criticism – as the government frantically dispatched Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to Sydney to support Sarina Wiegman’s side.
Prince William has apologized to Charlotte in a video message for not attending the Women’s World Cup final to cheer on the Lionesses
Kensington Palace confirmed earlier this week that the Prince of Wales would not make the trip Down Under. Instead, he will roar from home against the Lionesses – who are playing in their first ever World Cup final.
The cost of the trip and the carbon footprint were cited as reasons for the prince not to go.
But as critics lashed out at the prince this week, Mandu Reid, leader of the Women’s Equality Party, told MailOnline yesterday: “It is completely ridiculous that England was not and still is not ready to celebrate the Women’s World Cup final. .
“The Football Association’s president, Prince William, is not bothering to attend, licensing laws have not been relaxed, there will be no screen in Trafalgar Square and no word of a big celebration if they win. .
“This last-minute struggle to show support for the Lionesses by our leaders is not only embarrassing, it shows how little they think about women’s sports.
“You can guarantee that the men’s football team would not be treated with such contempt and contempt in any way.”
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.