Should Prince William drop everything to support England at the World Cup Final in Sydney?
The Prince of Wales will not travel to Australia for the Women's World Cup final despite the Lionesses' semi-final victory, Kensington Palace has confirmed. The future King, who is president of the Football Association, watched the Lionesses clinch a 3-1 semi-final victory against the host nation on television.
Chloe Kelly of England celebrates with her teammates (Image: Getty)
Following the victory, Prince William tweeted: “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”
The Lionesses will battle Spain in the final on Sunday, marking the first time England Women have ever reached a World Cup Final.
The men beat West Germany at Wembley in July 1966.
William’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, attended the 1966 World Cup final at Wembley and presented captain Bobby Moore with the trophy.
England’s female team triumph in the semi-final (Image: Daniela Porcelli/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty)
William with England manageress Sarina Wiegman (Image: Naomi Baker/The FA via Getty )
When the Prince was appointed to the FA president’s role in 2005, Geoff Thompson, then the chairman of the FA, said: “Prince William’s enthusiasm for football, both as a player and a fan, is well known and we believe his Presidency will prove a great asset to the national game.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales are currently on holiday with their three children, meaning that William would have had to break away to attend the match.
It is thought likely that they will be at Balmoral in Scotland within the next couple of weeks alongside other members of the Royal family.
But the Prince is likely to come under continued pressure as the national figurehead for the sport to be present at the final.
