Spain’s Queen Letizia showed her support by wearing Spain’s kit colors as she arrived at the World Cup final with her daughter Infanta Sofia.
The 50-year-old glamorous royal, wife of Spain’s King Felipe VI, turned heads in an elegant red dress with a black blouse as she attended the much-anticipated match in Sydney today.
He was joined by his 16-year-old daughter Sofia, who was dressed in crimson – meaning red – fittingly for the Spanish team nicknamed the Rojas. Sofia opted for a large eye-catching scarf, which she paired with a cream coat.
But while Spain have the support of their royal family in the stands, the Lions of the British Royal Family have no one to cheer them on in Australia.
Yesterday, Prince William apologized for not attending the World Cup final to cheer on England – with palace sources saying he was worried about his carbon footprint and the diplomatic ramifications of traveling to Australia.
In a video posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ social media accounts, William wished the Lions luck as they played football with his daughter Princess Charlotte.
Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter Infanta Sofia were in Sydney 'to show, once again, the Royal Family’s support for national football’, the Royal Spanish Football Federation confirmed.
The pair sat in the presidential box at the Agor Stadium but were not joined by King Felipe, who was busy with other official duties.
Letizia visited the Spanish team before their match in Madrid and was given a personalized jersey after watching them train.
He ended his visit with an 'inspiring speech that resonated deeply with the players and coaching staff’, the federation said.
While Spain’s royals cheer for their national side, the Lions won’t have the same support from members of The Firm.
The president of the English Football Association, Prince William, has released a video wishing the team the best of luck in their match against Spain.
During the clip, the royals say: 'Lion ladies, I want to send you great luck tomorrow. We’re sorry we couldn’t be there in person, but we’re so proud of all you’ve accomplished and the millions you’ve inspired here and around the world.
’Then go out tomorrow and be really happy.’ Meanwhile, a beaming Charlotte adds: 'Nice lionesses!’
The prince has come under some criticism for his decision not to travel to Australia to watch the match in person.
Kensington Palace sources cited a number of reasons why the prince has decided to watch the game at home at Norfolk’s Anmer Hall.
One is the carbon footprint, especially as he travels to the US next month to support his green campaign, Earthshot.
This was considered not a diplomatically correct move – both at the family and political level.
William’s father Charles has yet to make a royal visit to Australia, where he is also monarch, and a short visit by his son is thought to be diplomatically unwise.
A source added: 'It was a finely balanced decision. The Prince of Wales hasn’t visited since 2014, so he wants his next trip to Australia to be a substantial one.
’He met them [the Lionesses] Before their departure at St George’s Park, he supported the manager and team throughout the match by sending them personal good luck messages.