Prince William’s already controversial absence from the World Cup remaining on Sunday night time 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 will not be the inheritor to the throne. Sofia is second within the line of succession behind her older sister, Princess Leonor.)
Letizia wore a scarlet trouser swimsuit in a vibrant present of assist for her staff, often called La Roja, which suggests pink.
“The Infanta Sofía is a great fan of football, a sport that she has played, and this same year she accompanied the King in the Cup final held in Sevilla,” the Queen posted on Instagram earlier than the match.
“Together with her sister, Princess Leonor, she also attended a match of the Spanish team in the Euros, held last year in England.”
“It’s a joy, and it’s exciting, to be here to support the Spanish football team. They are already champions,” Letizia added when she spoke to Spain’s TV1 earlier than kick-off.
The Spanish staff grew to become 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.
Meanwhile William, who will not be 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 remaining for the reason that males’s staff final reached one in 1966.
The Prince of Wales’ selection to stay on vacation along with his household as a substitute 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 remaining.
He launched a quick video message expressing assist for the English staff forward of the match, along with his daughter Princess Charlotte sitting alongside him.
“Lionesses, we want to send you a huge ‘good luck’ for tomorrow,” William stated.
“We are sorry we cannot be there in person, but we are so proud of everything you have achieved and the millions you’ve inspired here and around the world.
“So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy 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 for the reason that dying of Queen Elizabeth II, and it is likely to be unconstitutional for the Prince to go to earlier than him.
Another doable clarification put ahead is the carbon footprint a brief journey to Australia would create – although paradoxically, 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 had been greeted and congratulated by the Spanish Queen on the rostrum after their defeat, and whereas Letizia celebrated along with her staff after the presentation, William was not current to commiserate along with his.
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 resolution to not attend the ultimate a “shame”.
“I will not have any bad words against the royal family,” stated Cope.
“However, this should have been pencilled in his diary from day dot, after we won the Euros and qualified for the World Cup.”
She was equally disenchanted in Britain’s Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, who watched the ultimate in a pub, and Gareth Southgate, coach of the boys’s staff.
“Let’s be honest, if it was the men’s World Cup, they would all be there,” Cope stated.
Broadcaster Piers Morgan was amongst these providing harsher criticism.
“With respect, Your Royal Highness, you should have got on a plane,” he stated.
“Ridiculous that the Queen of Spain is attending the World Cup final to support her nation’s team and you won’t be there, despite being President of the FA.”
After the match, William posted a tweet in regards to the consequence.
“Although it’s the result none of us wanted, Lionesses, you have done yourselves and this nation proud,” the Prince stated.
“Your spirit and drive have inspired so many people and paved the way for generations to come. Thank you for the footballing memories.
“Congratulations to Spain.”
Source: www.news.com.au
