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Prince William’s already controversial absence from the World Cup final on Sunday night was made even more conspicuous by the presence of Spain’s Queen Letizia, who showed up to cheer on her nation and was at the centre of its victory celebrations.
Queen Letizia, 50, and her 16-year-old daughter, Infanta Sofia, both 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 not the heir to the throne. Sofia is second in the line of succession behind her older sister, Princess Leonor.)
Letizia wore a scarlet trouser suit in a vibrant show of support for her team, known as La Roja, which means red.
“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 before 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 before kick-off.
The Spanish team became champions in a more literal sense shortly afterwards. Letizia and Sofia took part in the post-match presentation and then celebrated with their countrywomen, the Queen dancing jubilantly alongside them and even lifting the trophy herself.
Meanwhile William, who is not only heir to the British throne but President of the English Football Association, was nowhere to be seen, having decided not to attend the match – his country’s first World Cup final since the men’s team last reached one in 1966.
The Prince of Wales’ choice to remain on holiday with his family instead of travelling to Sydney ignited a storm of criticism, with several high profile Brits suggesting he would have attended a male World Cup final.
He released a brief video message expressing support for the English team ahead of the match, with his daughter Princess Charlotte sitting alongside him.
“Lionesses, we want to send you a huge ‘good luck’ for tomorrow,” William said.
“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 football in her lap.
Observers have offered multiple potential reasons for William’s no-show, one being that King Charles has not yet travelled to Australia since the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and it might be unconstitutional for the Prince to visit before him.
Another possible explanation put forward is the carbon footprint a short trip to Australia would create – though ironically, William does plan to fly to New York for just two days next month, to announce the finalists for an environmental award.
Whatever his reasoning, the English players were greeted and congratulated by the Spanish Queen on the podium after their defeat, and while Letizia celebrated with her team after the presentation, William was not present to commiserate with his.
Pauline Cope, a former England goalkeeper, was careful to avoid criticising the royal family before the game but did call William’s decision not to attend the final a “shame”.
“I will not have any bad words against the royal family,” said 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 similarly disappointed in Britain’s Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, who watched the final in a pub, and Gareth Southgate, coach of the men’s team.
“Let’s be honest, if it was the men’s World Cup, they would all be there,” Cope said.
Broadcaster Piers Morgan was among those offering harsher criticism.
“With respect, Your Royal Highness, you should have got on a plane,” he said.
“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 about the result.
“Although it’s the result none of us wanted, Lionesses, you have done yourselves and this nation proud,” the Prince said.
“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.”
