William has thrown ‘King Charles into the firing line’ by snubbing Lionesses at World Cup
EXCLUSIVE: Prince William's decision not to fly to Australia to watch the Lionesses play in the World Cup Final could have ramifications for King Charles and the monarchy, according to an expert.
Prince William has pushed his father into the firing line (Image: Getty)
Prince William has thrown his father King Charles into the firing line by snubbing the Lionesses and the Women’s World Cup Final, an expert has said.
The Royal Family has come under fire following a no-show at the tournament’s final game, one where England went in with a shot at becoming the first national team to win a World Cup since 1966.
Despite the size of the occasion, there were no senior members of the Royal Family present at the game to cheer them on.
In contrast, members of Spain’s Royal Family travelled to Australia to watch their team beat England one nil.
Founder and CEO of Broadstairs Consulting Leah Brown told Express.co.uk that it was an own goal for William to decide not to attend the match in person it calls into question the role of the monarchy in modern Britain.
No senior members of the Royal Family were present at the final (Image: Getty)
She said: “The primary impact of King Charles not supporting the Lionesses, and the PR stunt played by Prince William using Charlotte to garner public favour when delivering an unpalatable message, is that it calls into question the role of the monarchy in contemporary Britain.”
Ms Brown added that while King Charles is now in the firing line, that the blame falls to Prince William for abandoning his duties as patron of the FA.
She said: “I have some sympathy for King Charles’ position. In this instance, the nominated individual, namely William shirked his responsibility thus throwing others into the firing line.”
The decision not to attend has proved controversial and costly for the Royal Family (Image: Getty)
Ms Brown said she wasn’t convinced by Prince Wiliam’s excuse for missing the crucial match either.
She explained: “I am unsatisfied that climate change concerns were the driver behind non-attendance.
“It was disappointing to have no state support alongside the Queen of Spain.
“Charity causes and investitures aside, the idea that the royals are anything other than performative suggests this event ought to have been attended at least by a female royal representative.”
Queen Letizia of Spain was present at the match (Image: Getty)
Ms Brown said it was short-sighted of the Royal Family not to attend and show support for women’s sport.
She commented: “Ultimately it is short-sighted for King Charles and Prince William to deprioritise attendance.
“The Women’s World Cup was the perfect opportunity to make a stand for both progress achieved in society vis a vis women in sport, and forging the unity of an otherwise polarised nation by supporting the Lionesses in person in Australia.”
Following the Lioness’s defeat to Spain, Prince William sent a heartfelt message to the team.
He said: “Though it’s the result none of us wanted, you have done yourselves and this nation proud.
“Your spirit and drive have inspired so many people and paved the way for generations to come.
“Thank you for the footballing memories.”
