The Prince of Wales wished the England women’s team well ahead of the World Cup final and regretted not attending the match.
Prince William – president of the Football Association – will not travel to Sydney for Sunday’s final.
In a video message alongside Princess Charlotte, he said “we’re sorry we couldn’t be there in person,” adding that they are “very proud” of their lionesses.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is also not expected to attend the final.
in a video message to publish On social media alongside Princess Charlotte, he said: “Lionnies, I want to send you a big good luck for tomorrow, we’re sorry we couldn’t be there in person but we’re so proud of all you’ve achieved and the millions you’ve inspired here and around the world.”
“So go there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.”
And Princess Charlotte – who recorded a similar video message with her father before the final of the European Championships 2022 – ends the video by saying: “Good luck, lionesses.”
Prince William and Mr Sunak were criticized by sportscaster Gabe Logan for not attending in person.
She told the BBC’s Newscast podcast: “I have to say I’m disappointed that Prince William will not be involved in his role in the FA and the history that will happen and be created on Sunday, one way or another.
“I just wonder that none of these people make it to a Men’s World Cup final, that Britain isn’t represented by at least one of those two figures in the Men’s World Cup, I can’t help but think they’ll be there.
“I don’t know what past associations are untransferable or if something very important is getting in the way, but it seems we must have someone (of) national importance.”
Former Culture Secretary Lord Faizy also invited William and Mr Sunak to travel to Sydney.
Writing on social media on Friday, he said: “The Prime Minister and Prince William must go to the World Cup final (if there is still time). It would be unbelievable for them to miss the men’s final.”
Gerry Sutcliffe, who served as Minister for Sport in Gordon Brown’s government, told Lt telegraph“I know it’s a long way to go and I’m sure he has family commitments, but this is a unique moment, it’s a World Cup final and he’s the FA president.”
England are scheduled to meet Spain at 11:00 GMT on Sunday and could become the first English soccer team to win the World Cup since 1966.
A government spokesperson said: “Winning the World Cup would be a huge moment for the country and we can’t go wrong with finding the right way to celebrate.
“As Sarina Wegman herself said, the first thing to do is focus on the final and the whole country will be for the Lionesses this weekend.”
Understandably, however, the government is not considering the bank holiday as part of any post-tournament celebrations.
Both the Labor Party and the Liberal Democrats called for a bank holiday if England made history by winning the Championship.
The Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and the Minister responsible for Sport Policy Lucy Fraser will attend the final on behalf of the UK Government.
Queen Letizia of Spain is to be there to encourage England’s opponents.
In a statement released after the match, the King – who heads both the United Kingdom and Australia – paid tribute to both sides.
He said, “While your win may have cost wonderful Matilda her chance at the game’s biggest prize, both teams have been an inspiration on and off the field – and for that reason, both countries are united in pride, admiration and respect.”
How to watch the women’s world cup final
The Women’s World Cup final between England and Spain on Sunday will be shown live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport from 10am.
BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds will have radio commentary as the two teams aim to win their first World Cup.
The BBC Sport website and app will provide live text commentary.
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