Prince William sends ‘thank you’ message to Lionesses after World Cup final defeat

Prince of Wales tells England’s women’s football squad that they’ve ‘done themselves proud’

The Prince of Wales has shared a message of gratitude with the Lionesses after their match against Spain at the World Cup final.

Spain’s women’s football team beat England 1-0 in the last match of the global tournament on Sunday (20 August).

This match marked the first time since 1966 that any England football team had reached a World Cup final.

In response to the disappointing result, Prince William sent an encouraging message to the team on Twitter.

“Although it’s the result none of us wanted, @Lionesses you have done yourselves and this nation proud,” he wrote on Sunday afternoon.

“Your spirit & drive have inspired so many people and paved the way for generations to come. Thank you for the footballing memories.”

He concluded his message by sharing a message of congratulations to Spain, before signing off with his initial, “W”.

King Charles III also shared an encouraging message to the Lionesses following their defeat and reassured the team that they have set their place in history books.

“This brings you, your manager and all your support team my heartfelt thoughts and commiserations on the result of the World Cup final,” the monarch’s message read.

“While I know how sore it must be, let none of you feel defeated, for to have reached the final at all is an immense tribute to your skill, determination and team spirit in the finest sporting tradition.

“More than that, though, it will serve as an inspiration for generations to come - and, for that, your place in the history books is assured.

“With great admiration, congratulations to the Spanish team and with particular gratitude to the people of Australia and New Zealand for hosting such a wonderful tournament. Charles R.”

William, who is the president of the Football Association (FA), was not present in Sydney for the match. It is thought that no royal family member attended due to the environmental concerns attached to flying a long distance for a short time.

Prince William and England player Alex Greenwood (Getty)

Addressing his absence, William posted a video to social media on Saturday (19 August), which saw him sitting with his eight-year-old daughter Princess Charlotte.

“Lionesses, I 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,” he said.

“So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.”

Charlotte added: “Good luck Lionesses.”

Though some considered the video a sweet contribution of support for the team, others criticised William’s inclusion of his daughter in the short clip.

Journalist Poorna Bell argued that the prince’s choice to only appear with Charlotte, and not his sons George and Louis, showed how an early “gender gap” in sport can begin.

“The gender gap for sport begins at a young age and underpins ideas that everyone should take an interest in men’s sport while women’s sport is for girls,” she wrote.

“Bad enough he didn’t go to watch the match let alone only posing with his daughter – what message does that send to his boys?”

William and Charlotte also appeared in a video together last summer, ahead of the Lionesses’ win at the Euro final.