In a heartfelt video message, Prince William apologized on Saturday for not being able to attend England's historic trip to the Women's World Cup final, which has caused a wave of discontent among fans who feel snubbed by the royal family. Sitting next to his 8-year-old daughter, Princess Charlotte, the future king expressed his pride in the team's achievements and the inspiration they have brought to millions around the world. He encouraged the Lionesses to enjoy themselves and wished them good luck in their match against Spain in Australia on Sunday.

This is a significant moment for England's women's national team, as it is their first-ever appearance in the World Cup final. The country's only previous World Cup final appearance was in 1966, when the men's team emerged victorious against West Germany at Wembley Stadium, with Queen Elizabeth II in the stands. However, this year, no members of the royal family will be present to cheer on the Lionesses.

Reports indicate that Prince William, who has served as the president of England's Football Association for close to two decades, has decided not to interrupt his summer vacation with a long flight to Australia for what would be a brief visit. Additionally, he is concerned about the environmental impact such a journey would have, aligning with his commitment to tackling climate change.

However, this decision has not been well-received by some fans and the British press. Critics argue that the team deserves better and that Prince William's absence sends the wrong message, suggesting that the women's team is not as important as the men's. They point to the presence of the Spanish royal family, who have announced plans to attend the final in Sydney, as a stark contrast.

Social media has been abuzz with discontent, with one individual criticizing the prince's video message as a mere "PR stunt" and another expressing disappointment that neither Prince William nor Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will be attending the final. Sports broadcaster Gabby Logan also voiced her disappointment, questioning whether the absence of these prominent figures would be the same if it were a men's World Cup final.

Despite the backlash, the Lionesses remain focused on their upcoming match against Spain. Prince William's message and the support they have received from fans around the world continue to inspire them. The final is set to take place on Sunday at 6 a.m., and England hopes to make history by securing their first Women's World Cup title.