The Prince of Wales said he was sorry for not being able to attend the England Women’s World Cup final when it is held in Australia on Sunday.
Prince William, the president of the Football Association, wished the team good luck but said he could not be there.
King Charles III and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also wished the team well but there has been some criticism that none of them chose to attend the game.
William, an Aston Villa fan, has been in the crowd at Wembley watching both the men’s and women’s teams, and also presented the women with the trophy when they won the Euro 2022 title.
England play Spain on Sunday hoping to win the sport’s biggest prize.
In the short video posted to social media on Saturday, the heir to the throne is sitting beside a smiling Princess Charlotte, eight, who is clutching a football.
“Lionesses, we 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,” Prince William said.
“So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.”
A grinning Charlotte added: “Good luck Lionesses.”
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England players celebrate after Alessia Russo scored her side's third goal against Australia. AP -
England's Alessia Russo scores the third goal. AFP -
England's Alessia Russo celebrates after scoring her side's third goal with teammates. AP -
England's Alessia Russo celebrates after scoring the third goal. AP -
England players celebrate after Alessia Russo scored their third goal during the Women's World Cup semi-final against Australia at Stadium Australia on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. AP -
Australia's Sam Kerr reacts after England's Alessia Russo scored their third goal. AP -
Mackenzie Arnold and Ellie Carpenter of Australia after Alessia Russo of England scores her team's third goal. Getty -
England's Alessia Russo celebrates after scoring her side's third goal. AP -
Australia's Sam Kerr reacts after England's Alessia Russo scores their third goal. Reuters -
Lauren Hemp of England celebrates after scoring the second goal. EPA -
England forward Lauren Hemp celebrates her goal with teammates. AFP -
England's Lauren Hemp scores her team's second goal. AFP -
Australia's Sam Kerr celebrates scoring her team's first goal. AFP -
England goalkeeper Mary Earps is beaten by a shot from Australia's Sam Kerr. AFP -
Australia's Sam Kerr reacts after a missed chance. Reuters -
Australia's Sam Kerr, third right, scores her side's first goal. AP -
Ella Toone scores England's opening goal. Getty -
Ella Toone of England scores her team's first goal. Getty -
England's Ella Toone scores the opening goal. AP -
England's Ella Toone scores their first goal. Reuters -
Ella Toone scores her England's first goal. Getty -
England’s Ella Toone celebrates scoring the first goal with teammates. PA -
Australia's goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold makes a save the goal from England's Lucy Bronze. AP -
Australia's goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold makes a save. AP -
Australia's Mackenzie Arnold and Clare Polkinghorne in action with England's Lucy Bronze. Reuters -
England's defender Alex Greenwood tangles with Australia's Sam Kerr. AFP -
England's Alex Greenwood gets a yellow card. AFP -
England goalkeeper Mary Earps saves from Australia's forward Sam Kerr. AFP
Queen Letizia of Spain said she will travel to Australia for the final.
Sports broadcaster Gabby Logan said she is “disappointed” that William and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will not be in the crowd.
“I have to say I'm disappointed that Prince William isn't going with his role at the FA and the history that is going to happen and be created on Sunday, one way or the other,” she said.
“I just wonder would neither of those people come to a men's World Cup final, would Britain not be represented by at least one of those two figures at a men's World Cup and I can't help thinking that they would be there.
“I don't know what prior engagements that can't be moved or if there's something that's enormously important that is getting in the way of this, but it does feel like we should have somebody of national [importance].”
King Charles issued his own rallying cry to the team.
“Good luck today Lionesses, and may you roar to victory,” the King said in a message posted on social media on Saturday.
It is understood that Charles and Queen Camilla will be among the millions of Britons following the game from afar.
“Both their majesties will be following Sunday’s events with the greatest interest,” a Buckingham Palace source said.
Mr Sunak told England’s Lionesses that the “whole nation is rooting for you”.
In a letter, he wished England boss Sarina Wiegman and her players good luck for the final in Sydney, telling them: “You’ve made us all proud.”
He added: “For my daughters, and for every girl in this country, you have made football something for them; you have made them feel they belong on the pitch.
“So – in a way – you’ve already brought football home. All that remains is to bring the trophy home too — and the whole nation is rooting for you. Thank you – and good luck.”
