Prince William lauds ‘fantastic’ Matildas

Prince William and his father sent a message to the Matildas, as Prince Harry weighs up a significant return to the UK.

Prince William and King Charles have led congratulatory messages for the Lionesses as they beat Australia to reach their first World Cup final.

The Prince of Wales tweeted his congratulations to the England team after the game in a personally signed tweet, saying: “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.”

Soccer-mad Prince William attended the Women's FA Cup Final between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in May. Picture: Getty Images

There are reports out of the UK that Prince William – a rabid soccer fan and President of England’s Football Association – could fly into Sydney ahead of the World Cup Final on Sunday when England will take on Spain.

Australia will play Sweden on Saturday for a shot at third place.

What a phenomenal performance from the @Lionesses – on to the final! Commiserations to @TheMatildas, you've played brilliantly and been fantastic co-hosts of this World Cup. W

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) August 16, 2023

King Charles also had a message for both teams.

“My wife and I join all our family in sending the mighty Lionesses our warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the World Cup, and in sharing our very best wishes for Sunday’s match,” he said.

“While your victory may have cost the magnificent Matildas their chance for the greatest prize in the game, both teams have been an inspiration on and off the pitch – and, for that, both nations are united in pride, admiration and respect.”

HARRY HAS BIG CALL TO MAKE

Meanwhile, despite ongoing tensions between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and the royal family, the Sussexes could attend King Charles’ upcoming 75th birthday celebrations but there is a reason why he could tell them not to bother, a royal expert has revealed.

Royal biographer Angela Levin believes the monarch will want the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to attend any celebrations planned to mark his birthday on November 14.

A royal expert has revealed Prince Harry could attend his father’s 75th birthday without his wife. Picture: Getty Images

Relations between the royals and the California-based Sussexes have been strained following the couple’s all out attack on the Firm.

From their explosive Oprah Winfrey interview, to Prince Harry’s controversial memoir Spare, where he slammed his father and brother, and the subsequent Netflix series which again suggested the prince was a victim of his family’s emotional cruelty.

Prince Harry, pictured at the Queen’s funeral, remains estranged from the royals. Picture: Getty Images

Despite the ongoing estrangement, Ms Levin said the King will want his family around him for such a milestone birthday – including the Sussexes’ children Archie and Lilibet who the King has rarely seen – meaning the couple could be inclined to put grievances aside and attend.

“Charles would want Harry and Meghan’s children there,” Ms Levin told The Sun.

“If Harry and Meghan want to make an excuse, that’s their decision.”

However, she had a warning for the Duke of Sussex.

“If Harry wants to go to get an apology, then he can get lost.”

The former “fab four” put on a united front in the wake of the Queen’s death but it took much wrangling to get them together. Picture: Getty Images

Prince Harry has a long list of grievances against his famous family, including reports that he was “furious” over his treatment during Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations last year and that he wanted an apology from the royal family.

As such, he made a flying visit to the UK for the King’s coronation in May where he was not seen speaking to either his brother or father. He flew back to the US at the conclusion of the service.

Ms Levin said the ball was ultimately in Prince Harry’s court over what to do, adding: “Harry will have to decide. The door is open.”

King Charles wants his entire family present for his 75th birthday. Picture: AFP

Ms Levin said that the Sussexes and their children would be invited, with the royal expert speculating that Prince Harry could attend without Ms Markle and take Archie with him.

“He could go on his own and bring Archie with him,” Ms Levin told The Sun.

“He’s a big boy now, five, and he could see his cousins.”

Her comments come after some plans on how King Charles plans to celebrate his birthday, with speculation that it will be a “quiet affair”.

The royals relationship with Prince Harry remains fractured. Picture: AFP

The monarch is said to have vetoed any major public celebration and wants any events to be “minimal” and “family orientated”.

Over the past 14 months, Britain has celebrated Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, mourned her death last September and celebrated King Charles’ coronation in May.

With Britain in the midst of a cost of living crisis, Ms Levin said the King will be mindful about any over the top birthday celebrations.

“Charles is all about the public and not being extravagant. He really cares,” she said.

“There were parties after Harry and Meghan’s wedding but it wouldn’t be appropriate now.

“Times are hard and people are struggling.”

Prince Harry still wants an “apology” from his family but experts say he’s not likely to get it. Picture: AFP

The King is thought to want to focus on business as usual, undertaking public engagements, and maybe a cake and a few words of celebration in the run up to his birthday on November 14.

Reports indicate there could be a private dinner, organised by Queen Camilla for friends and family at Highgrove, his beloved Gloucestershire country home.

It comes as it was revealed a BBC film documenting the King and Queen’s first year on the throne is set to be a key feature of the network’s Christmas schedule.

Buckingham Palace is said to have granted “unprecedented” access to the royals and their household.

The King and Queen have not been interviewed on camera, with a Buckingham Palace source telling The Sun: “This is not Netflix, you know.”

Other family members are thought to have spoken to the BBC with the broadcaster hoping to get Prince William and Princess Catherine speaking on camera.

– with The Sun

Originally published as Prince William lauds ‘fantastic’ Matildas