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Jane went on: “His absence was a rare misstep by our future King.<\/p>\n
“After all, what\u2019s the point of the monarchy if they don\u2019t turn up for such an important event on the world stage?”<\/p>\n
Her comments come after the royal posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, and apologised to the England team ahead of the game, saying: “Lionesses, we want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow. We\u2019re sorry we can\u2019t be there in person, but we\u2019re so proud of everything you\u2019ve achieved and the millions you\u2019ve inspired here and around the world. So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.”<\/p>\n
Princess Charlotte, holding a football as she sat next to her father on a bench, added: “Good luck, Lionesses.”<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Following England’s 1-0 defeat on Sunday, William tweeted: “Although it\u2019s the result none of us wanted, @Lionesses you have done yourselves and this nation proud.<\/p>\n “Your spirit & drive have inspired so many people and paved the way for generations to come. Thank you for the footballing memories. Congratulations to Spain. W”<\/p>\n Some critics have suggested heir to the throne William, who is President of the FA, should have travelled to watch the clash against Spain and suggested it may have been different if the men\u2019s team had played.<\/p>\n Social media users on Twitter appeared unimpressed, with one remarking \u201cA letter? what a joke\u201d, and another adding: \u201cBig deal\u2026 he should be there.\u201d<\/p>\n Former England goalkeeper Pauline Cope branded it a \u201cshame\u201d that William had not travelled to Australia, saying: \u201cThis should have been pencilled in his diary from day dot, after we won the Euros and qualified for the World Cup.\u201d<\/p>\n Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, who travelled to Australia to watch the match with Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, defended the royal, saying: \u201cPrince William is, of course, the president of the FA and is a tremendous supporter of the sport.<\/p>\n \u201cI know that he\u2019s disappointed that he isn\u2019t able to be here today but he has sent a message of good luck to the Lionesses.”<\/p>\n
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