Piers Morgan has hit out at Prince William after he announced he would not be travelling to Australia to cheer on the Lionesses in the Women’s World Cup final.
England's women's team will face Spain in the final today (20 August), which is set to kick off at Stadium Australia in Sydney at 11am UK time (8pm local time).
But 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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William shared the news in a clip posted to social media, in which he sat next to daughter Princess Charlotte, eight, who wished the Lionesses good luck.
In the clip, Prince William says: "Lionesses I want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow, we're sorry we can't be there in person.
"But we're so proud of everything you've achieved and the millions you've inspired here and around the world.
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"So go out there and really enjoy yourselves.”
Princess Charlotte then adds: "Good luck Lionesses!”
Former Good Morning Britain host Morgan has since taken to social media to criticise William - who is also the president of the Football Association (FA) - for not going along to support England.
In a tweet, Morgan wrote: “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.”
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When someone suggested that Royal obligations ‘shouldn’t include sporting events’, Morgan replied: "They should if you agree to be President of the Football Association and England reach a World Cup Final.
"If it was the men’s team, he’d be there faster than I sprint to McDonald’s when the craving gets too much."
According to the Daily Mail, palace sources have said William was concerned about the carbon footprint of the long journey for such a short visit as well as ‘the diplomatic ramifications’ of going to Australia.
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King Charles III is yet to visit Australia - where he is also monarch - as King, and it is thought a visit from William would not be a sound diplomatic rule.
A source told the publication: “It was a finely balanced decision. The Prince of Wales hasn't visited since 2014 so he would wish his next trip to Australia to be a substantial visit. He met them [the Lionesses] in St George's Park before they flew out and he has been supporting them throughout the tournament by sending private good luck messages to the manager and team.”
Topics: Sport, Piers Morgan, Prince William, UK News
Claire Reid