As the Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte were at Wimbledon watching the tennis on Sunday, Prince William and Prince George were enjoying their own day out. The Prince of Wales took 10-year-old George to Berlin to watch the England men’s football team play in the final of the European Championships.
Unfortunately, the pair did not come away celebrating as England lost 2-1 to Spain following a nail-biting 90 minutes in which the winning goal was scored just moments before the final whistle. A disappointed William, who was there in his role as President of the FA, posted a personal message on X following the defeat. “This time it just wasn’t meant to be. We’re all still so proud of you. Onwards England,” he wrote last night.
Today, William and Kate posted a joint message on social media to the team alongside a picture of Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis watching the game on television from home wearing football shirts with their names on.
The Waleses also congratulated Spain. "England, your teamwork, grit and determination were an inspiration to all of us, young and old," the message read. "Congratulations to Spain. W & C."
King Charles also wrote a message to England manager Gareth Southgate, in which he encouraged the team to hold their heads high and be proud of reaching the final. “Although victory may have eluded you this evening, nevertheless my wife and I join all my family in urging you and your support team to hold your heads high,” he wrote. “All those who have participated in sporting activities at any level will know how utterly despairing such a result can feel when the prize was so near - and will join me in sending heartfelt sympathy, even as we congratulate Spain. But please know that your success in reaching the European Championship final is a really great achievement in itself, and one that brings with it the pride of a nation which will continue to roar for the Three Lions today – and in the many triumphs which I have no doubt lie ahead.”
There had been much excitement in England about the team reaching the final of the European Championships as the country’s men’s team has not won a major tournament since 1966 when they won the World Cup. The England women’s football team, the Lionesses, won the European Championships in 2022. Last summer, the Lionesses were defeated in the women’s World Cup final by Spain.
Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America. Victoria authored Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures, released in 2021.
