Prince William is set to attend the Women’s Euros final in Switzerland this Sunday, reinforcing his commitment to women’s football and addressing the backlash from his absence during the Lionesses’ historic World Cup final appearance in 2023.
Renewed Royal Support for the Lionesses
Kensington Palace confirmed that the Prince of Wales will travel to cheer on England’s women’s football team as they prepare for their highly anticipated final showdown against either Spain or Germany, following a thrilling 2-1 victory over Italy in the semifinals.
This latest move marks a clear effort by Prince William to showcase his ongoing support for women in sports. Notably, he also attended the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euros final, where the Lionesses triumphed over Austria with a 1-0 win at Wembley Stadium—a monumental moment for English football.
Backlash Over World Cup Final Absence
While Prince William is no stranger to supporting the Lionesses, his absence during the 2023 Women’s World Cup final drew sharp criticism. As President of the Football Association, many fans and commentators expected his presence at the historic event in Australia. The disappointment was compounded when Queen Letizia of Spain and her daughter flew in to support their team in person.
Instead, then-Foreign Secretary James Cleverly was sent to represent the UK, leaving many questioning the Royal Family’s priorities regarding women’s sport.
Heartfelt Apology from William and Princess Charlotte
To soften the criticism, Prince William released a video message the day before the final, standing beside his daughter Princess Charlotte. In the clip, he expressed his regret over not attending and praised the Lionesses’ accomplishments.
“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,”said William.
“Good luck Lionesses,” added a smiling Princess Charlotte.
A Commitment to Women’s Football and Public Image
William’s decision to attend the upcoming UEFA Women’s Euros final comes at a time when the Royal Family is keen to strengthen its ties with the public, particularly among younger generations and sports fans. His renewed presence underscores his role not only as a senior royal but also as a public figure championing gender equality and athletic achievement.
As the Lionesses gear up for their next big moment on the international stage, they can count on the visible support of a royal who is clearly learning from past missteps—and aiming to do better.
