Prince William has apologised for not attending the Women’s World Cup final in Australia and wished the England team good luck for the showdown with Spain.
The Prince of Wales posted the video message on social media as he faces criticism for not flying out to Sydney for the Lionesses’ historic match, which takes place at 11am UK time on Sunday.
He was joined by his daughter Princess Charlotte in the video, who said: “Good luck Lionesses!”
Good luck for tomorrow @Lionesses 💪🏴 pic.twitter.com/a4WJ7ycVTK
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) August 19, 2023
William, who is president of the Football Association, said in the footage: “Lionesses, I want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow. We’re sorry we can’t be there in person, but we are so proud of everything you have achieved and the millions you have inspired here and around the world.
“So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.”
His grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, attended the 1966 men’s World Cup final at Wembley and presented England captain Bobby Moore with the trophy.
Queen Letizia of Spain is expected to travel to Australia for the final, which will be England coach Sarina Wiegman’s second World Cup final after finishing runners-up with the Netherlands against the USA in 2019.
Lucy Frazer, the culture secretary, will represent the UK government at the final at Stadium Australia.
Appearing on BBC’s Newscast, the sports broadcaster Gabby Logan criticised William and Rishi Sunak for not travelling to cheer on the Lionesses.
Logan said: “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.
“I just wonder, would neither of those people come to a men’s World Cup final, would Britain not be represented by at least one of those two figures at a men’s World Cup and I can’t help thinking that they would be there.
“I don’t know what prior engagements that can’t be moved or if there’s something that’s enormously important that is getting in the way of this, but it does feel like we should have somebody of national (importance).”
England reached the final after beating hosts Australia, while Spain defeated Sweden in their semi-final.
2023-08-19 11:17:22
Post from www.theguardian.com