Row deepens over Prince William’s absence at the Women’s World Cup final as former sports minister says the royal should ‘be there’ and MP claims he would go if it was the men’s final

The row over Prince William’s absence from this weekend’s Women’s World Cup final deepened today as a former sports minister said the royal family “should be there”.

Kensington Palace confirmed earlier this week that the Prince of Wales, who is president of the Football Association and therefore responsible for the national and international promotion of the game, would not be making the trip Down Under.

Instead, he will roar the Lionesses – who represent England in their first World Cup final since 1966 – from home, as will Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who will also be absent from Sunday’s clash with Spain.

Gerry Sutcliffe, who was Gordon Brown’s minister of sport between 2007 and 2010, told The Telegraph: ‘I think the Prince of Wales should be there.

“I know it’s a long road and I’m sure he has family obligations, but this is a unique moment, it’s the World Cup final.”

However, the row intensified when the Royal Spanish Football Federation confirmed that Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter, Infanta Sofia, will be in Sydney, “to once again demonstrate the Royal Family’s support for national football.”

England’s Lionesses booked their place in the World Cup final against Spain on Wednesday with a famous victory over Australia

Labor 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 there, however long the flight to Australia is.”

Neither William nor Mr Sunak attended any of England’s men’s World Cup matches in Qatar last winter.

However, the row intensified when the Royal Spanish Football Federation confirmed that Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter, Infanta Sofia, will be in Sydney, “to once again show the royals’ support for national football”.

The couple will take their seats in the presidential box at the Accor stadium, but will not be joined by King Felipe, who is busy with other official duties.

Letizia visited the Spanish team in Madrid before they traveled to the tournament, watched them train and was presented with a personalized jersey.

She concluded the visit with “a motivational speech that deeply resonated with the players and the technical staff,” according to the union.

FA chief Mark Bullingham said yesterday bosses had always known William would not be attending but that he had been a “brilliant supporter of the team”.

The heir to the throne paid tribute to the Lionesses after their historic 3-1 semi-final victory over Australia on Wednesday, describing it as a ‘phenomenal achievement’.

He added: “My condolences to @TheMatildas you played brilliantly and were fantastic co-hosts of this World Cup.”

His father, King Charles III, also sent a personal message to Sarina Wiegman and her team after they booked their spot in the final.

The frost said: “My wife and I, along with the entire family, send our heartfelt congratulations to the mighty Lionesses on reaching the World Cup final, and share our very best wishes for Sunday’s game.

“While your victory cost the magnificent Matildas their shot at the biggest prize in the game, both teams have been an inspiration both on and off the pitch – and that is why both nations are united in pride, admiration and respect.”