Britain’s Prince William apologised Saturday for not travelling to Australia to attend the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday, in which England will take on Spain.
The Prince of Wales — the chairman of England’s Football Association — has faced criticism over the decision not to travel to Sydney to watch the match.
“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,” he said in a video on social media that shows him sitting next to his daughter Charlotte.
“So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.”
Princess Charlotte, who has a football balanced on her lap, added: “Good luck Lionesses.”
When the Lionesses kick off at Stadium Australia in Sydney for Sunday’s match they will attempt to do what no England side, men or women, has managed since 1966 — win the World Cup.
England’s women were crowned European champions in 2022.
Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will not travel to Australia for the game. The government will be represented by Foreign Minister James Cleverly and Culture Minister Lucy Frazer.
