Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
THE country is ready to rally behind the England women’s football team as they take on Spain in the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses are set to compete for the FIFA trophy at 11am UK time, with the match taking place at Sydney’s Stadium Australia, but Prince William has confirmed he will not be attending.
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According to reports, the location of the Women’s World Cup is behind Prince William’s decision not to attend the tournament.
Kensington Palace confirmed the Prince of Wales, who is president of the FA, will be supporting the Lionesses from home instead of in Australia.
He is believed to have decided not to embark on the 9,400-mile flight in a bid to keep down his carbon footprint
Daily Express Royal Correspondent Richard Palmer has also said that the Royal Family felt “it’s a long way to go for a couple of hours”.
To travel from London to Sydney it typically takes around 23 hours.
No members of the UK’s Royal Family are expected to attend the World Cup final.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is also missing the match.
The UK’s rival team will have a member of royalty supporting them in the stands.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation confirmed ahead of the game that Queen Letizia, and her daughter Infanta Sofia, will be at the final.
Their statement added that King Felipe is busy with other official duties meaning he is unfortunately unable to join them.
Prince William has voiced his support for the England women’s team and apologised for not being able to support them in person.
Ahead of the final, he posted a video message on social media that also featured his daughter Princess Charlotte.
In the clip, he said: “Lionesses, I want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow.
“We’re sorry we can’t be there in person, but we are so proud of everything you have achieved and the millions you have inspired here and around the world.”
He added: “So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.
The night before the World Cup final, Prince William’s father King Charles also sent a message of support to the Lionesses.
He said: “Good luck, Lionesses, and may you roar to victory.”