Prince William has been accused of hurling his father into the firing line after he decided not to fly to Australia to watch the Lionesses play in the World Cup Final.
The Royal family did not attend the event which could have seen England become the first national team to win a World Cup since 1966.
In comparison, members of Spain's Royal Family traveled to Australia to watch their team win the tournament
Founder and CEO of Broadstairs Consulting Leah Brown claims the no show calls into question the role of the monarchy in modern Britain.
The Royal family did not attend the event which could have seen England become the first national team to win a World Cup since 1966
PA
“The primary impact of King Charles not supporting the Lionesses, and the PR stunt played by Prince William using Charlotte to garner public favour when delivering an unpalatable message, is that it calls into question the role of the monarchy in contemporary Britain," she told the Express.
Brown also alleged that William abandoned his duties as patron of the FA, which now falls on his father King Charles.
She said: "I have some sympathy for King Charles’ position. In this instance, the nominated individual, namely William shirked his responsibility thus throwing others into the firing line.”
The royal expert said she was also not convinced by the excuse for missing the match.
She added: “I am unsatisfied that climate change concerns were the driver behind non-attendance.
“It was disappointing to have no state support alongside the Queen of Spain.
“Charity causes and investitures aside, the idea that the royals are anything other than performative suggests this event ought to have been attended at least by a female royal representative.”
Brown said the lack of support from the Royal Family was "short-sighted".
Royal expert Leah Brown said the lack of support from the Royal Family was 'short-sighted'
PA"Ultimately it is short-sighted for King Charles and Prince William to deprioritise attendance," she said.
"The Women’s World Cup was the perfect opportunity to make a stand for both progress achieved in society vis a vis women in sport, and forging the unity of an otherwise polarised nation by supporting the Lionesses in person in Australia.”
The Prince of Wales did send a message to the Lionesses after their defeat.
He said: “Though it’s the result none of us wanted, you have done yourselves and this nation proud. Your spirit and drive have inspired so many people and paved the way for generations to come.
“Thank you for the footballing memories.”
