The King has sent congratulations to England’s women footballers after the Lionesses won the Euros after a thrilling penalty shoot out.
King Charles sent his ‘most heartfelt congratulations’ to the team and their manager, Sarina Wiegman, as they won their second consecutive European title, beating Spain for the crown.
His Majesty went so far as to call the team awesome, praising their ‘sporting skills and awesome teamwork;;.
King Charles praises the Lionesses
Despite not being known for his passion for the beautiful game, King Charles appears to have become a convert as he noted that ”for more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant ”football’s coming home. As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great price that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true. For this, you have my whole family’s warmest appreciation and admiration.”
There were words, too, for the spirit that the England team have shown through the contest which began in less than auspicious circumstances with an early defeat in the group stages. The King said ”you have shown through your example over the past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms.’
And The King’s new found zeal for football continued as he ended his congratulations with a royal command. King Charles said ”the next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027, if you possibly can!”
It was signed ‘Charles R’.
Prince William and Princess Charlotte were on hand to celebrate with the England team as they flew to Basel for the final which saw the Lionesses take on Spain who beat them in the 2023 World Cup final.
Tense game ends with Lionesses as champions
Spain took an early lead through a Mariona Caldentey goal but England drew level with an equaliser from Alessia Russo in the 57th minute. It was still 1-1 after extra time and penalties, so long the end of England’s hopes in major tournaments, loomed. Chloe Kelly stepped up to take England’s fifth shot, knowing a goal would secure the title and after a nifty hop to the ball, she slotted it into the net to claim victory.
England’s women are now the country’s first senior team to take two consecutive international titles and the first to win a major trophy away from home.
Prince William joined dignitaries on the podium to congratulate the winning team and cheered as they lifted the trophy into the air beneath fireworks and glitter.
(Casa de S.M. el Rey)
Later, Princess Charlotte joined him on the pitch to see the celebrations first hand.
The Prince of Wales and Charlotte had earlier met the heir to the Spanish throne, Princess Leonor, and her younger sister, Infanta Sofia, who had flown to Switzerland to cheer on Spain in the final.
Sofia, an ardent football fan, shared several looks and giggles with Charlotte, another passionate supporter, as the goals began.
Earlier, the Spanish royals has spoken to their main TV network about their hopes for a win – Sofia was in Australia two years ago to see Spain lift the Women’s World Cup. However, it wasn’t to be and instead, they shared congratulations with Prince William and Princess Charlotte.
No doubt all the royals will be hoping to meet again at the World Cup final in two years’ time with King Charles now expecting another victory.
