It would perhaps be expected that the president of England’s Football Association would attend a World Cup final in which England is playing – but that isn’t the case.
Prince William sent a message of support to the Lionesses ahead of Sunday’s final, apologizing for not being in attendance.
Alongside Princess Charlotte, William said in a video message on Saturday: “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.”
“Good luck, Lionesses,” Charlotte added.
Mark Bullingham, Chief Commercial & Operating Officer of the FA, told the BBC earlier this week that they’ve “always known he wouldn’t be able to attend, sadly, because of his diary but he’s been a brilliant support of the team throughout.”
William has received plenty of criticism for his decision, with many suggesting that he would have attended had it been the men’s team in the final.
“Really think inconceivable that [UK Prime Minister] Rishi Sunak AND Prince William (the FA President, no less) wouldn’t be at the World Cup Final if it was the men’s team playing,” former BBC journalist Jon Sopel wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Happy to accept might be impossible for the PM, given other commitments. But Prince William? Why?”
