Prince William could be risking a potential sexism storm if he attends an important men's soccer final in Germany on Sunday, after the royal was absent from a high-profile women's game in 2023.
The England men's soccer team secured a semi-final win in the UEFA Euros tournament on Wednesday in Dortmund, Germany, against the Dutch national team with a 2-1 scoreline. England will now face off against Spain.
England has never won the men's Euros and Prince William is the Football Association president. He has been present at a group stage match and a quarter-final game during the tournament.
It is likely that as a passionate soccer fan, the prince would want to be at the final personally, with his FA presidency adding a professional reason for his attendance.
William's attendance at the final hasn't yet been confirmed by Kensington Palace, but if he were to take his place in the Olympiastadion in Berlin for the game it would likely spark backlash after he earned criticism in 2023 for not traveling to Australia when the England women's team secured their place in the FIFA Women's World Cup final (also against Spain). The team lost that game 1-0.
William sent a public message of support to the women's team (nicknamed in England the "Lionesses") last August, but his absence in the stadium for the game in Sydney was highlighted by the presence of Spain's Queen Letizia.
The reason for the prince's absence wasn't given and came after he watched the Lionesses storm to victory during the 2022 Women's Euros, which were held in Britain.
A contributing factor is likely to have been the environmental impact of a round trip to Australia for one game. William is an environmental advocate, heading the Earthshot Prize, which funds eco-initiatives around the world.
After Kensington Palace released a video message of William and Princess Charlotte sending luck to the team, broadcaster Piers Morgan was among the high profile voices to slam the prince's decision not to attend, writing on X (formerly Twitter): "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."
Former England women's soccer goalkeeper Pauline Cope expressed her disappointment in an interview for Times Radio, suggesting that had it been a men's game, the royal would be there.
"I will not have any bad words against the royal family. However, this should have been pencilled in his [William's] diary from day dot after we won the EUROS and qualified for the World Cup," she said.
"Let's be honest, if it was the men's World Cup, they would all be here."
If William were to attend the men's EUROS final in Germany, it could appear to confirm this perceived bias.
Reflecting on the issue, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Newsweek that the prince should be there, the lesson from last year's backlash being that the royal should be seen supporting at significant national events.
"I think it is accepted that it was a mistake for William to miss the Women's World Cup Final in Sydney, when the Lionesses played Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain was present," he said. "Prince William is president of the FA. It would be unthinkable if he did not attend. It has already been announced that the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is going."
It is possible that William could skip the Euros game altogether, with Starmer's presence as lead national supporter forming a diplomatic excuse for his absence.
Sunday will also mark the men's final game at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, an event William has attended with his wife, Princess Kate, seven times in the last decade.
Kate has taken a step out of the public eye this year following the announcement of her cancer diagnosis and treatment, but in June she announced an intention (her health permitting) to begin attending some events over the summer.
On June 15, the royal made her ceremonial comeback for the Trooping the Colour celebrations, and speculation in Britain has circulated as to whether she will be seen again at the Wimbledon finals.
Kate is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, which hosts the championships each year, and she has presented the singles prizes for several years. Last month, the club's chair, Debbie Jevans, said she was "hopeful" that the princess would be well enough to attend.
If she does, she could potentially be supported in the effort by William and her children.
Newsweek approached Kensington Palace via email for comment.
James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek's royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X, formerly Twitter, at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
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About the writer
James Crawford-Smith is a Newsweek Royal Reporter, based in London, U.K. His focus is reporting on the British royal family ... Read more
