Prince William may face a potential sexism backlash if he attends men’s soccer final in Germany on Sunday, following his absence from a high-profile women’s game in 2023.
The England men’s soccer team triumphed in the semi-final of the UEFA Euros tournament on Wednesday in Dortmund, Germany, defeating the Dutch national team 2-1. This victory sets up a final match against Spain.
Will Prince William Attend the UEFA Euros Final?
As president of the Football Association (FA), Prince William has attended both a group stage match and a quarter-final game during this tournament. His passion for soccer and his role as FA president make it likely that he would want to be present at the final.
However, Kensington Palace has not yet confirmed William’s attendance at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. If he does attend, it could spark criticism, as he faced backlash in 2023 for not traveling to Australia when the England women’s team, the Lionesses, played in the FIFA Women’s World Cup final against Spain.
The Lionesses lost that match 1-0. Despite sending a public message of support, William’s absence was noted, especially since Spain’s Queen Letizia was present.
No specific reason was given for William’s absence, though it likely stemmed from concerns about the environmental impact of a long flight.
William is known for his environmental advocacy and heads the Earthshot Prize, which funds eco-initiatives globally.
Prince William chose to post a video message with Princess Charlotte wishing the team luck.
Pauline Cope, a former England women’s soccer goalkeeper, expressed disappointment in an interview with Times Radio. She suggested that had it been a men’s game, William would have attended.
“I will not have any bad words against the royal family. However, this should have been penciled in his [William’s] diary from day dot after we won the EUROS and qualified for the World Cup,” she said. “Let’s be honest, if it was the men’s World Cup, they would all be here.”
Several royal commentators echoed that sentiment, saying the Prince of Wales should have been present at the women’s final.
Sunday also marks the men’s final at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, an event William has attended multiple times with his wife, Princess Kate.
Kate has taken a step back from public life this year following her cancer diagnosis and treatment, but she announced in June that she hopes to attend some events over the summer.
The princess made her reappearance at the Trooping the Colour celebrations on June 15, and her fans remain hopeful that she will attend the Wimbledon finals.