Veteran broadcaster Jon Sopel had suggested it was “inconceivable” that the Prince and Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, would not have travelled to Australia if the men’s team had been playing. Meanwhile, former England goalkeeper Pauline Cope branded it a “shame” the Prince of Wales was not there in person.

It was the first time the Lionesses had reached the final of a World Cup, and the first time an England football team had competed in a World Cup final since the men’s side beat West Germany in 1966.

The Prince of Wales, who is president of the FA, sent personal messages to the Lionesses after their heartbreaking 1-0 defeat, but stayed at home to watch the match in Norfolk.

No senior member of the British royal family attended the game, but Queen Letizia of Spain – dressed in a patriotic red trouser suit – was there with her 16-year-old daughter Infanta Sofia.