Prince William faces backlash over absence from World Cup final
manchestereveningnews.co.ukThe Prince of Wales is facing a continued backlash over his decision not to attend the Women’s World Cup final in Australia.
Former England goalkeeper Pauline Cope branded it a 'shame', saying: “I will not have any bad words against the royal family. “However this should have been pencilled in his diary from day dot, after we won the Euros and qualified for the World Cup.” Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features. She also expressed her disappointment that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and England men’s manager Gareth Southgate had not travelled to Sydney for the Lionesses’ historic clash against Spain on Sunday.
Cope, who has 60 England caps and played in the 1995 World Cup, told Times Radio: “Let’s be honest, if it was the men’s World Cup, they would all be here.” Veteran broadcaster Jon Sopel similarly suggested it is “inconceivable” that William, who is president of the FA, and the PM would not travel if it was the men’s team playing.
Sopel tweeted: “Happy to accept might be impossible for the PM, given other commitments. But Prince William? Why?” TV presenter Piers Morgan tweeted: “With respect, YRH (Your Royal Highness), 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.” No senior member of the British royal family is attending the match.
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