William 'sorry' for missing Lionesses in final

8 months ago

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Watch: William and Charlotte's royal good luck message for the Lionesses

The Prince of Wales has apologised for not flying to Australia to watch England in the Women's World Cup final as he wished the team good luck.

King Charles III also urged the Lionesses to "roar to victory".

In a video message with Princess Charlotte, Prince William said they were "so proud" of the Lionesses.

As president of the Football Association, he has been criticised by some for not attending Sunday's final against Spain in Sydney.

In the message posted on social media, alongside a smiling Princess Charlotte holding a football, Prince 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've achieved and the millions you've inspired here and around the world.

"So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves."

Princess Charlotte - who recorded a similar video message with her father ahead of the 2022 European Championships final - ended the video by saying: "Good luck Lionesses."

And King Charles said in a message posted on social media on Saturday evening: "Good luck today Lionesses, and may you roar to victory!"

If England win when they take on Spain at 11:00 BST on Sunday they would become the first England football team to win a World Cup since 1966.

No British royals will be present at the final. Prime minister Rishi Sunak will also not be attending.

In a video message posted on social media on Saturday, he said the Lionesses "have inspired us with your skill, teamwork and courage" and "defied the odds, faced down the doubters and paved the way".

Mr Sunak continued: "For my daughters, and every girl in this country, you have made football something for them. You have made them feel they belong on that pitch.

"So in a way, you have already brought football home. All that remains is to bring the trophy home too and the whole nation is rooting for you."

Prince William and the prime minister have both been criticised by sports broadcaster Gabby Logan for not attending the final in person.

"I have to say I'm disappointed that Prince William isn't going with his role at the FA and the history that is going to happen and be created on Sunday, one way or the other, she told the BBC's Newscast podcast.

She added that she thought the pair would attend if the men's team had made the final.

Former culture minister Lord Vaizey has also already called on them to fly to Sydney, saying it would be "unthinkable for them to miss a men's final".

Downing Street has also previously said there are "no plans" for an extra bank holiday if England lift the trophy.

A government spokesperson said: "Winning the World Cup would be a massive moment for the country and make no mistake we'll find the right way to celebrate.

"As Sarina Wiegman herself has said, the first thing to do is focus on the final and the whole country will be rooting for the Lionesses this weekend".

Both Labour and the Liberal Democrats have called for a bank holiday if England make history by winning the tournament.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverley and Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer will attend the final on behalf of the UK government.

Queen Letizia of Spain is due to be there to cheer on England's opponents.

England secured their place in the final by beating co-hosts Australia 3-1 on Wednesday.

In a statement issued after the match, the King - who is head of state of both the UK and Australia - paid tribute to both sides.

He said: "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."