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Just minutes after England defeated the Australian Matildas in the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Prince William shared a heartfelt message.
The English prince praised both his home country’s team the Lionesses, who won 3-1, and also the Matildas, with Australia being a part of the Commonwealth.
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“What a phenomenal performance from the @Lionesses – on to the final!” he began.
“Commiserations to @TheMatildas, you’ve played brilliantly and been fantastic co-hosts of this World Cup. W.”
Fans went on to praise the prince for his balanced message to both teams.
Prince William’s message for both the Lionesses and the Matildas. Credit: Twitter / princeandprincessofwales
“When you’re heir to the throne of both, it must hit differently,” one comment said.
“Lovely inclusive message,” said a second.
“A class act mentioning both teams William, bravo,” added another.
Meanwhile, other fans were encouraging the prince to book his flights to Australia for the grand final, set to take place on Sunday, August 20.
“William get your flight booked, you need to be there to watch them win the final,” a fan encouraged.
Prince William with the Lionesses. Credit: WPA Pool/Getty Images
“Please go to see the final. As the head of the FA you really need to be there, you would for the men’s team and you should for the ladies’ team too,” a second agreed.
“I hope you and Charlotte have got your flights booked,” added another, referencing his daughter Princess Charlotte, 8.
The Prince of Wales was appointed as the president of England’s football governing body in 2005, taking over from his uncle Prince Andrew.
Also to share a message from the palace were King Charles and Queen Camilla, offering their congratulations to both teams on making it this far.
“My wife and I join all our family in sending the mighty Lionesses our warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the World Cup, and in sharing our very best wishes for Sunday’s match,” Charles wrote.
Princess Charlotte waves to the camera as she wishes the Lionesses luck. Credit: Twitter / princeandprincessofwales
“While your victory may have cost the magnificent Matildas their chance for the greatest prize in the game, both teams have been an inspiration on and off the pitch — and, for that, both nations are united in pride, admiration and respect. “
William previously shared his support for the Lionesses in an adorable video beside Princess Charlotte.
“We both want to wish the Lionesses the best of luck for tonight,” he said ahead of the team’s Euro 2022 final.
“You’ve done amazingly well in the competition and we’re rooting for you all the way.”
As the video ended, Charlotte added, “Good luck, I hope you win. Bye!”
Sam Kerr looks on after the loss to England. Credit: Getty Images
Heartbreak for the Matildas
The Matildas’ grand final dreams were crushed in the second half of the semi-final, played at Stadium Australia in front of 75,784 fans.
Ella Toone opened the scoring for the Lionesses before Australian superstar Sam Kerr delivered the moment of the tournament with a stunning equaliser.
But disaster struck for the co-hosts with a defensive error allowing Lauren Hemp to score and Alessia Russo sealed the result with a smart finish crushing the Matildas’ hopes.
England will now play Spain in Sunday’s final, while the Matildas will get a chance to end the tournament on a high with the third-place playoff against Sweden on Saturday, which will be live and free on Seven and 7plus.
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