Featured Image Credit: Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Topics: UK News, Sport, Prince William, Royal Family
Lucy Devine
Topics: UK News, Sport, Prince William, Royal Family
The 'mystery girl' spotted at the UEFA Women's Euros Final standing next to Prince William has spoken out about her appearance on the pitch.
On Sunday (27 July), the Lionesses triumphed as they took home the Euros trophy for the second time in a row, defeating Spain in a tense penalty shootout.
As the team celebrated on the pitch, several ambassadors for the female tournament flocked down onto the field.
Amongst them was Prince William, 43 - the patron of England's Football Association - and his 10-year-old daughter Princess Charlotte.
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William was tasked with handing out medals to the team following their win.
When the special moment was broadcast live, however, spectators couldn't help but notice a young girl standing beside William and UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.
And spectators from home were curious as to who she was, though many were quick to praise her for her excitement at meeting the women's team, with one writing: "She was fabulous, totally the most thrilled person ever to be there!"
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"What a champ! And getting a hug from CK!" gushed a second, while another chimed in: "What a gesture!"
According to German news outlet 20 Minuten, the girl is a 12-year-old Portuguese national named Greta.
UEFA has since explained that at every UEFA final this year, a child invited by the UEFA Foundation walks on the pitch at the winner's ceremony.
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Speaking after the event, Greta said: “I was nervous at first, but then I saw the players smiling at me. It felt like I was part of their team."
Greta's T-shirt represented the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Foundation for Children which 'defends the rights of underprivileged children by using the power of football to improve their lives and to help them develop their potential and find their place in the community'.
Greta was diagnosed with a genetic form of epilepsy, known as Dravet Syndrome, when she was six months old.
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She is now a member of the PluSport association, which organises sporting opportunities for disabled people throughout Switzerland.
Speaking to press of the youngster's inclusion at the game, a representative from UEFA told the publication: "Greta is a cheerful, open-minded, and determined young girl with a great passion for sport.
"Her enthusiasm, perseverance, and love of sport made her a fitting and inspiring choice to participate in the medal ceremony alongside UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin."