There has been plenty of criticism towards the Royal Family for not attending the women's World Cup final in Australia, but the reason for their absence has finally been explained.
Prince William, who is the President of the FA, has worked closely with the Lionesses in the past, presenting them with their medals after England's European Championship final win last year. He also visited the team in person in June at St George’s Park to wish them good luck before they left for Australia.
However, the prince will not be present to watch Sarina Wiegman's side take on Spain in Sydney on Sunday morning.
Apologising for his absence on Monday evening, William took to social media to post a good luck message to the Lionesses alongside his daughter Princess Charlotte.
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William said: "Lionesses, I want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow.
"We're sorry we can't be there in person but we're 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."
A smiling Charlotte then added: "Good luck Lionesses!"
According to the Daily Mail, it was "not considered a diplomatically sound move - both on a family and political level" for William to travel to the final.
William's father has still not visited Australia as King, a country where he is also a monarch, and it is thought that a visit from his son would be deemed inappropriate.
A source told the Mail: "It was a finely balanced decision. The Prince of Wales hasn't visited since 2014 so he would wish his next trip to Australia to be a substantial visit. He met them [the Lionesses] in St George's Park before they flew out and he has been supporting them throughout the tournament by sending private good luck messages to the manager and team."
It is claimed that William was also concerned about his carbon footprint, knowing that he will travel to the US next month to support his green campaign, Earthshot.
Meanwhile, the Queen of Spain, Letizia, and her 16-year-old daughter Sofia will be in attendance at Sydney. The pair will sit in the presidential box at the Accor Stadium, but won't be joined by King Felipe, who is busy with other official duties.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will also not attend the final which has fuelled further criticism, with the government sending Foreign Secretary James Cleverly instead.
Topics: England, Womens World Cup, Womens Football
Joe Adams