As the president of the Football Association and all around soccer lover, it seemed likely that Prince William would want to tune into Wednesday’s major Women’s World Cup semifinal match, where the Lionesses of England took on Australia. England eventually won, 3–1, and soon after the prince took to social media to send out a personal message, signed “W,” congratulating England’s team and consoling Australia’s Matildas.
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“What a phenomenal performance from the @Lionesses – on to the final!” he wrote. “Commiserations to @TheMatildas, you’ve played brilliantly and been fantastic co-hosts of this World Cup.”
Because King Charles III is the monarch of both Britain and Australia, his message was a bit more even handed. “My wife and I join all our family in sending the mighty Lionesses our warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the World Cup, and in sharing our very best wishes for Sunday’s match,” he said. “While your victory might have cost the magnificent Matildas their chance for the greatest prize in the game, both teams have been an inspiration on and off the pitch –and, for that, both nations are united in pride, admiration and respect.”
When the Lionesses were in the finals of the 2022 Euro Cup last July, it took place in London’s Wembley Stadium, and William was in the stands as they won a nail-biter against Germany. Soon after his Wednesday tweet, The Telegraph reported that he won’t be making the trip to Australia this time around and will watch England take on Spain from home instead. In June, he visited the women’s team at their training camp and surprised manager Sarina Wiegman with an honorary OBE.
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