Prince William will not be in attendance for England’s Women’s World Cup final
The Prince of Wales will not travel to Australia to watch England face Spain in the Women’s World Cup final.
Sarina Wiegman’s side made history on Wednesday by beating co-hosts Australia 3-1 to reach their first ever final, which will be live on talkSPORT.
Prince William joined the squad and their manager before their travelsGetty
But he won’t see them play the final in personGetty
Victory against Spain would see the Lionesses claim their third major honour in a year after Euro 2022 and the Finalissima.
Prince William is the president of the Football Association and congratulated the side after their victory on social media earlier in the week.
“What a phenomenal performance from the Lionesses – on to the final! Commiserations to The Matildas, you’ve played brilliantly and been fantastic co-hosts of this World Cup. W,” he said on X.
However, Kensington Palace have confirmed that the Aston Villa fan will not be in attendance for the Women’s World Cup final at the Stadium Australia.
He will not cut his holiday short and instead watch the match on TV in the UK.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation said that Queen Letizia of Spain and her daughter Princess Sofía will make the journey, although King Felipe won’t join them.
Former Labour MP and sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe has called for Prince William to travel down under to show his support.
“I think the Prince of Wales should be there,” he said to the Telegraph on Thursday.
“I know it’s a long way and I’m sure he has family commitments but this is a unique moment, it’s the World Cup final and he’s the president of the FA.”
He also said that the King should attend in his place if the Prince has a legitimate reason as to why he can’t.
The Lionesses are just one win away from lifting the World CupGetty
UK foreign secretary James Cleverly will be joined by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Lucy Frazer, at the final.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, however, will not make the journey to Sydney this weekend.
England now have the chance to win the biggest prize in football on Sunday as they look to inspire the nation once again.
The Lionesses have won all but one of their six games during the tournament so far, with Spain standing between them and glory.
Listen to live commentary of the 2023 Women’s World Cup final on talkSPORT, as England go for glory against Spain. Build-up from Australia begins at 10am, with the big kick-off at 11am.