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Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@princeandprincessofwales / Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Topics: UK News, Football, Sport, Royal Family
Emily Puckering
Topics: UK News, Football, Sport, Royal Family
The reason why Prince William was unable to attend the Women's World Cup final in Australia has been revealed.
The tense final game between England and Spain is going ahead today (20 August) at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia.
And while Queen Letizia of Spain is said to be jetting out to cheer on her side, the 41-year-old Prince of Wales announced yesterday that he wouldn’t be attending.
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In a clip posted on social media, William - who is the president of the Football Association (FA) - is seen sat alongside his daughter, Princess Charlotte, as he wished the Lionesses good luck and apologised for his absence.
"Lionesses, I want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow, we're sorry we can't be there in person," he says.
"But we're so proud of everything you've achieved and the millions you've inspired here and around the world. So go out there and really enjoy yourselves.”
Princess Charlotte then adds: "Good luck Lionesses!”
But of course, there is a reason behind Prince William not jetting out to Australia to support the Lionesses.
And it's all down to his carbon footprint, apparently.
It is believed William hasn't embarked upon the 9,400-mile flight in an effort to minimise his carbon footprint.
Daily Express Royal Correspondent Richard Palmer has also said that the royal family felt 'it's a long way to go for a couple of hours' - with the average travel time between London and Sydney being a staggering 23 hours.
But this hasn't stopped many being left disappointed by William's absence, seeing as he was present when England won the Women's Euros last year and has also been present for the men's fixtures.
Controversial journalist Piers Morgan has even hit out at the future King of England, writing directly to him on Twitter: "With respect, YRH, you should have got on a plane.
"Ridiculous that the Queen of Spain is attending the World Cup Final to support her nation’s team, and you won’t be there despite being President of the FA.”
And sports broadcaster Gabby Logan also said she felt 'disappointed' William will not be attending the final, saying: "I have to say I'm disappointed that Prince William isn't going with his role at the FA and the history that is going to happen and be created on Sunday, one way or the other."
Prime minister Rishi Sunak is also missing the final, as well as King Charles III, who sent a message to the squad last night saying: "Good luck, Lionesses, and may you roar to victory."