Prince William has faced backlash for not attending the FIFA Women's World Cup final in Australia to support the Lionesses.
Instead, the Prince of Wales shared a video message with his daughter Princess Charlotte, as the President of the Football Association (FA) apologised to the Lionesses for not heading to Australia to cheer them on in their final against Spain on Sunday night.
Prince William posted the video on Twitter and Instagram simultaneously to wish England team ‘Good luck’.
However, many felt that the future king was using his daughter to escape criticism, but by doing so, courted it.
Using Princess Charlotte, as PR shield to deflect from backlash of deplorable decision not to support #Lionesses in person as FA President, is stereotypically sexist & patriarchal. Brings out cute young daughter instead🙄 Prince William seriously lacks good sense #WorldCupFinal https://t.co/GT33aR0fZN
— Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu (@SholaMos1) August 19, 2023
Women's rights activist, Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, said: "Using Princess Charlotte, as PR shield to deflect from backlash of deplorable decision not to support #Lionesses in person as FA President, is stereotypically sexist & patriarchal. Brings out cute young daughter instead Prince William seriously lacks good sense #WorldCupFinal".
Carol Vorderman also shared her anger: "Prince William, President of the FA, isn't travelling to support the Lionesses in the World Cup Final. Queen Letizia of Spain is going with her 16 yr old daughter.
"NOTE British Royal Family is the MOST EXPENSIVE in Europe (2021) Spain the cheapest. ALSO NOTE British Royal Family to get a 45% untaxed pay rise in 2025 from £86m to £125m. For what exactly?"
Really think inconceivable that @RishiSunak AND Prince William (the FA President, no less) wouldn’t be at the World Cup Final if it was the men’s team playing. Happy to accept might be impossible for the PM, given other commitments. But Prince William? Why?#Lionesses
— Jon Sopel (@jonsopel) August 19, 2023
Jon Sopel, host of daily podcast The News Agents, took aim at both Prince William and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for seemingly overlooking the Lionesses, he said: "Really think inconceivable that @RishiSunak AND Prince William (the FA President, no less) wouldn’t be at the World Cup Final if it was the men’s team playing.
"Happy to accept might be impossible for the PM, given other commitments. But Prince William? Why?"
Others, however, defended the Prince, such as TV presenter Dan Walker: "I hope the @Lionesses get it done today. Not sure why some people are getting so angry about Prince William not going to the game.
"We all know he’d get hammered for the cost & climate impact of flying all the way to Australia for one football match. Come on England".
