‘Real reason’ Prince William missed World Cup final

Prince William faced huge backlash in the UK for not flying to Australia to support England in the World Cup final, but there might have been a simple explanation as to why.

Prince William has faced a massive backlash in the UK over his decision not to fly to Australia for England’s first World Cup final since 1966.

But while critics blasted him for not wanting to interrupt his summer holidays to make the 24-hour trip to Australia, there might be a very official royal reason he couldn’t go.

The Sun reported that because Australia’s head of state King Charles has not yet visited the country after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William could not constitutionally visit before him.

Prince William and his daughter Princess Charlotte send a message to the Lionesses.

But Prince William’s no-show sparked a large amount of speculation as to why he didn’t travel to Australia, particularly when Spain’s Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter, Infanta Sofia, jetted into Sydney for the game, sat in the presidential box at the stadium and later celebrated with victorious Spanish players after the match.

Queen Letizia and her daughter, Infanta Sofia, congratulate Aitana Bonmati after the Spanish team’s World Cup win. Picture: AFP

When Kensington Palace confirmed last week that Prince William - who is the president of Britain’s Football Association - would not be travelling to Australia, they cited the cost of the trip and carbon footprint as reasons for the Prince not to go, according to British media reports.

Former England goalkeeper Pauline Cope called the decision a “shame”.

“This should have been pencilled in his diary from day dot, after we won the Euros and qualified for the World Cup,” she said.

Although it’s the result none of us wanted, @Lionesses you have done yourselves and this nation proud. Your spirit & drive have inspired so many people and paved the way for generations to come. Thank you for the footballing memories.

Congratulations to Spain. W

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) August 20, 2023

She also said she was disappointed that British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Gareth Southgate, the coach of the England men’s team, had not travelled to Sydney for the final.

Ms Cope, who played in the 1995 World Cup and represented England 60 times told Times Radio: “Let’s be honest, if it was the men’s World Cup, they would all be here.”

Media personality Piers Morgan also hit out at the royal, saying: “With respect, YRH (Your Royal Highness), you should have got on a plane.

Queen Letizia celebrates with the victorious Spanish team. Picture: AFP

“Ridiculous that the Queen of Spain is attending the World Cup Final to support her nation’s team, and you won’t be there despite being President of the FA.”

England lost the final 1-0 to Spain.

The Prince of Wales took to social media to praise the England players.

“Although it’s the result none of us wanted, @Lionesses you have done yourselves and this nation proud.

“Your spirit & drive have inspired so many people and paved the way for generations to come.

“Thank you for the footballing memories.“Congratulations to Spain. W.”

Good luck for tomorrow @Lionesses 💪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/a4WJ7ycVTK

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) August 19, 2023

WILLIAM APOLOGISES FOR MISSING FINAL

Late last week Prince William apologised for not attending the FIFA Women’s World Cup final in Sydney to cheer on England’s Lionesses in a video message with Princess Charlotte.

In a video posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ social media account, Prince William wished the Lionesses luck alongside his daughter Princess Charlotte.

“Lionesses, I want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow,” he said.

“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. So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.”