Prince William apologized Saturday for not being able to attend England’s historic trip to the Women’s World Cup final — as fans have been pitching a fit over the royal family’s snub of the nation’s first chance to win in 57 years.
‘We’re sorry we can’t be there in person but we’re so proud of everything you have achieved and the millions you’ve inspired here and around the world,” the future king said in a social media video as he sat next to Princess Charlotte, 8.
“So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves,” he added.
“Good luck, Lionesses,” his lookalike daughter chimed in while holding a soccer ball on her lap.
England faces off against Spain in Australia on Sunday, marking the first time the women’s national team has ever reached the final.
The country’s only World Cup final appearance was in 1966, when the men’s team defeated West Germany 4-2 at London’s Wembley Stadium — with Queen Elizabeth in the stands.
This year, no members of the royal family will be there in person to cheer on the Lionesses.
Prince William, who has been the president of England’s Football Association for nearly 20 years, does not plan to break up his summer vacation with a long flight Down Under for what would be a short trip, according to reports, and is concerned about the environmental impact it would have.
Spain’s Queen Letizia and Princess Sofia immediately announced plans to fly to Sydney for the game.
The British press has slammed Prince William’s choice to tune in from Kensington Palace.
Sports broadcaster Gabby Logan said she was “disappointed” that neither the prince nor Prime Minister Rishi Sunak would be attending.
“I just wonder, would neither of those people come to a men’s World Cup final, would Britain not be represented by at least one of those two figures at a men’s World Cup and I can’t help thinking that they would be there,” she said on the BBC’s Newscast, according to reports.
