Prince William apologises for not attending World Cup final to cheer on the Lionesses in video message with Charlotte following row over his decision not to fly out for the match

Prince William has apologised for not attending the Women’s World Cup final in person to cheer on the Lionesses in a video message with Princess Charlotte.

The Prince of Wales, who is also the president of the Football Association, has faced a major backlash over his decision not to fly to Australia for England’s first World Cup final since 1966, despite members of the Spanish royals planning to travel.

England will take on Spain in the final, which kicks of at 11am GMT on Sunday. 

In a video posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ social media account, Prince William wished the Lionesses luck alongside his daughter Princess Charlotte, who held a football. 

William said: ‘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 have achieved and the millions you’ve inspired here and around the world. So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.’ 

A beaming Charlotte, dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, added: ‘Good luck Lionesses!’ 

The royals have been largely criticised in recent days for not planning to travel to the final, with fans of the England squad wondering if the same decision would have been taken if it was the men’s team in the final. 

Meanwhile the Royal Spanish Football Federation has confirmed that Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter, Infanta Sofia, will be jetting to Australia for the match.

The pair will sit in the presidential box at the Accor Stadium, but won’t be joined by King Felipe, who is busy with other official duties.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is also not expected to attend tomorrow’s final against Spain which has fuelled further criticism – as the government frantically scrambled Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to Sydney to support Sarina Wiegman’s side.

Kensington Palace confirmed earlier this week that the Prince of Wales would not be making the trip Down Under. He will instead be roaring on the Lionesses – who are playing in their first ever World Cup final – from home.

The cost of the trip and carbon footprint were cited as reasons for the prince not to go by palace sources – but amid reports of a crunch royal summit on Monday between King Charles and William and Kate, it is unclear if this also played a role in the decision. 

But as critics rounded on the prince this week, Mandu Reid, leader of the Women’s Equality Party, told MailOnline yesterday: ‘It’s utterly ridiculous that England wasn’t and still isn’t prepared to celebrate the women’s World Cup final. 

‘The President of the Football Association, Prince William isn’t bothering to attend, licensing laws haven’t been relaxed, there won’t be a screen at Trafalgar Square, and there’s been no word of any kind of large celebration should they win.

‘This last minute scramble to show support for the Lionesses by our leaders isn’t just embarrassing, it reveals how little they think of women’s sport.

‘You can guarantee that there’s no way the men’s football team would be treated with such disregard and disrespect.’

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.