WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 2023
Why are Prince William and the British Royal family not attending the Spain vs England Women’s World Cup final?
The Prince of Wales, who is the president of England’s Football Association, has apologised for missing the match in Sydney.
History will be made in Sydney on Sunday when Spain play England in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final. Neither of the two European nations has ever won the trophy, and the crowning of a new champion is a sign of how women’s soccer continues to grow from country to country.
British Royal Family supporting The Lionesses from afar
Should La Roja emerge victorious, Queen Letizia, the wife of King Felipe VI, and Infanta Sofia, the couple’s daughter, will be at Stadium Australia to witness that history being made. However, the British Royal Family have decided not to follow suit, with neither King Charles nor Prince William making the trip to Australia. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is also giving it a miss.
Follow all the action: Spain vs England | Women’s World Cup final
You can watch a live stream of Spain vs England in the Women's World Cup final on fuboTV, which offers users a free trial.
Prince of Wales voted against Australia-New Zealand World Cup bid
That the Prince of Wales will not be at the final is especially surprising - and has been criticised by fans of The Lionesses - given he is not just a big soccer fan, but has been the president of England’s Football Association since May 2006. Intriguingly enough, in his role as head of the FA, he has a vote on which nations host World Cups and voted against the Australia-New Zealand bid for the 2023 Women’s World Cup…despite being both countries’ future heir.
Prince William’s congratulations to England...and apology
In the aftermath of The Lionesses’ semi-final win over Australia, The Prince and Princess of Wales’ official X account posted:
“What a phenomenal performance from The Lionesses – on to the final! Commiserations to The Matildas, you’ve played brilliantly and been fantastic co-hosts of this World Cup. W”.
However, since it became public knowledge that neither William nor any other member of the Royal Family would be travelling down under, the future King once again took to social media, this time alongside a smiling Princess Charlotte holding a soccer ball, to apologise for not attending.
“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”.
Carbon footprint the reason for royal no-show?
No official reason has been given for the Prince of Wales’ no-show, although some royal sources believe it comes down to flying all the way across the world for a very short period of time. And William’s commitment to climate change means he is very wary of his carbon footprint.
A valid reason or a convenient excuse? Sceptics will say we’ll find out if the men’s team ever reach a World Cup final…