Prince William’s already controversial absence from the World Cup closing on Sunday evening was made much more conspicuous by the presence of Spain’s Queen Letizia, who confirmed as much as cheer on her nation and was on the centre of its victory celebrations.
Queen Letizia, 50, and her 16-year-old daughter, Infanta Sofia, each watched from the stands in Sydney as Spain defeated England 1-0 to win the World Cup.
(Infanta is the title used for a daughter of the Spanish monarch who is just not the inheritor to the throne. Sofia is second within the line of succession behind her older sister, Princess Leonor.)
Letizia wore a scarlet trouser go well with in a vibrant present of assist for her workforce, often known as La Roja, which suggests pink.
“The Infanta Sofía is a superb fan of soccer, a sport that she has performed, and this identical yr she accompanied the King within the Cup closing held in Sevilla,” the Queen posted on Instagram earlier than the match.
“Together along with her sister, Princess Leonor, she additionally attended a match of the Spanish workforce within the Euros, held final yr in England.”
“It’s a pleasure, and it’s thrilling, to be right here to assist the Spanish soccer workforce. They are already champions,” Letizia added when she spoke to Spain’s TV1 earlier than kick-off.
The Spanish workforce turned champions in a extra literal sense shortly afterwards. Letizia and Sofia took half within the post-match presentation after which celebrated with their countrywomen, the Queen dancing jubilantly alongside them and even lifting the trophy herself.
Queen Letizia applauding forward of the sport. On the left is FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Picture: Franck Fife/AFPSource: AFPLetizia waving to the gang on the post-match presentation. Picture: William West/AFPSource: AFPThe Queen holds the trophy aloft. Picture: William West/AFPSource: AFPLetizia watches as her daughter, Sofia, hugs Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmati. Picture: William West/AFPSource: AFP
Meanwhile William, who is just not solely inheritor to the British throne however President of the English Football Association, was nowhere to be seen, having determined to not attend the match – his nation’s first World Cup closing because the males’s workforce final reached one in 1966.
The Prince of Wales’ alternative to stay on vacation together with his household as an alternative of travelling to Sydney ignited a storm of criticism, with a number of excessive profile Brits suggesting he would have attended a male World Cup closing.
He launched a quick video message expressing assist for the English workforce forward of the match, together with his daughter Princess Charlotte sitting alongside him.
“Lionesses, we need to ship you an enormous ‘good luck’ for tomorrow,” William stated.
“We are sorry we can’t be there in particular person, however we’re so happy with every thing you could have achieved and the hundreds of thousands you’ve impressed right here and world wide.
“So go on the market tomorrow and actually get pleasure from yourselves.”
“Good luck Lionesses,” added Charlotte, clutching a soccer in her lap.
Observers have provided a number of potential causes for William’s no-show, one being that King Charles has not but travelled to Australia because the demise of Queen Elizabeth II, and it may be unconstitutional for the Prince to go to earlier than him.
Another doable rationalization put ahead is the carbon footprint a brief journey to Australia would create – although sarcastically, William does plan to fly to New York for simply two days subsequent month, to announce the finalists for an environmental award.
Whatever his reasoning, the English gamers have been greeted and congratulated by the Spanish Queen on the rostrum after their defeat, and whereas Letizia celebrated along with her workforce after the presentation, William was not current to commiserate together with his.
The Queen and her daughter watching from the stands. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty ImagesSource: Getty ImagesFIFA President Gianni Infantino watches as Letizia congratulates Aitana Bonmati. Picture: William West/AFPSource: AFPThe Queen joins the celebrations. Picture: William West/AFPSource: AFPLifting the trophy. Picture: Franck Fife/AFPSource: AFPThere was a jubilant ambiance – although a brief distance away, England’s gamers have been despondent. Picture: William West/AFPSource: AFPAfter the trophy presentation, the Queen stayed with the gamers and even danced. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty ImagesSource: Getty ImagesEngland’s forlorn gamers and training employees look on. Picture: David Gray/AFPSource: AFP
Pauline Cope, a former England goalkeeper, was cautious to keep away from criticising the royal household earlier than the sport however did name William’s determination to not attend the ultimate a “disgrace”.
“I can’t have any unhealthy phrases in opposition to the royal household,” stated Cope.
“However, this could have been pencilled in his diary from day dot, after we gained the Euros and certified for the World Cup.”
She was equally disillusioned in Britain’s Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, who watched the ultimate in a pub, and Gareth Southgate, coach of the boys’s workforce.
“Let’s be sincere, if it was the boys’s World Cup, they’d all be there,” Cope stated.
Broadcaster Piers Morgan was amongst these providing harsher criticism.
“With respect, Your Royal Highness, you need to have gotten on a airplane,” he stated.
“Ridiculous that the Queen of Spain is attending the World Cup closing to assist her nation’s workforce and also you gained’t be there, regardless of being President of the FA.”
After the match, William posted a tweet concerning the consequence.
“Although it’s the consequence none of us wished, Lionesses, you could have completed yourselves and this nation proud,” the Prince stated.
“Your spirit and drive have impressed so many individuals and paved the best way for generations to come back. Thank you for the footballing recollections.
“Congratulations to Spain.”
