Prince William will be in attendance for the Lionesses’ huge Euros final this Sunday – two years after criticism for not watching them in the World Cup showpiece.
He took to social media after England staged a thrilling late comeback against Italy on Tuesday night, writing: ‘Brilliant performance @Lionesses! One game from glory! #WEURO2025.
And now it has been confirmed by Kensington Palace that Prince William will put his summer break on hold.
The FA president will jet off to Basel in Switzerland for the final against the winner of Wednesday’s second semi-final between Spain and Germany.
Back in 2023, the Prince of Wales turned down flying to Australia to watch England play Spain in the Women’s World Cup final.
It was understood that the flight was deemed too long for such a short period of time in attendance. The Lionesses went on to lose that game but the no-show was not a popular move.
Prince William will be in attendance at the Euros final on Sunday to cheer on England’s Women
Michelle Agyemang is a new hero for the Lionesses after scoring two pivotal goals at the Euros and England will play either Germany or Spain this Sunday
Prince William came under fire for choosing not to attend the World Cup final in 2023
At the time, Ex-England goalkeeper Pauline Cope told Times Radio: ‘I will not have any bad words against the royal family. However, this should have been pencilled in his [William’s] diary from day dot, after we won the Euros and qualified for the World Cup.
‘Let’s be honest, if it was the men’s World Cup, they would all be here.’
Mandu Reid, the leader of the Women’s Equality party, told MailOnline it was ‘utterly ridiculous that England wasn’t and still isn’t prepared to celebrate the women’s World Cup final.’
And Piers Morgan tweeted: ‘With respect, YRH (Your Royal Highness), you should have got on a plane. 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.’
Prince William shared a video on social media instead, wishing the Lionesses luck and apologising for not attending alongside Princess Charlotte.
‘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.
‘So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.’
But he will be there this Sunday, albeit after a much shorter flight. Majesty Magazine shared Kensington Palace announcement on X.
The Lionesses advanced to the final after a nail-biting semi-final win over Italy in Geneva
It read: ‘The Prince of Wales, Patron of the Football Association, will attend the final of the Women’s Euros in Basel on Sunday to cheer on the @Lionesses.
‘England will face the winners of today’s semi-final between Germany and Spain. #WEURO2025’
Prince William and his wife Kate, Princess of Wales, have been away from royal duties and spending time with their children, George, Charlotte and Louis – who are all on school holidays.
The progress of the Lionesses has been followed closely by Prince William since the start of the tournament.
He watched their 4-0 group game win over the Dutch in Switzerland earlier in the competition.
And he is familiar with the squad having spent time with them at their training camp at St George’s Park prior to the Euros.
The Prince of Wales visited the squad at St George’s Park prior to the tournament
During that visit, he said: ‘The men’s team could definitely learn off your camaraderie and your team environment.
‘You’re brilliant together, you create a very unique unit that is rare in lots of other sports.
‘So hold onto that, treasure that, build on it, because it’s one of your greatest assets.’
It remains to be seen whether he will be paying another visit to Sarina Wiegman’s side prior to the final. The Lionesses progressed to the final at Italy’s expense through the heroics of Michelle Agyemang’s equaliser forcing extra time and Chloe Kelly’s late penalty rebound deep into extra time.
