Prince William 'learnt his lesson after Lionesses snub' as he steps down as President of the FA

Prince William 'learnt his lesson after Lionesses snub' as he steps down as President of the FA

PA / Getty
Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 27/07/2024

- 11:00

The Prince of Wales was appointed President of the FA in 2005

Prince William has "learnt his lesson after the Lionesses snub", according to a royal commentator, as he steps down from his role as President of the FA.

The Prince of Wales was first appointed President of the FA in 2005 and has held the position for almost 20 years.


The royal's decision to step back from the role is motivated by his greater focus on new roles and responsibilities in Wales and as Duke of Cornwall.

Prince William has now become Patron of the Football Association in a more scaled-back role.

Lionesses and Prince WilliamPrince William 'learnt his lesson after Lionesses snub' as he steps down as President of the FAPA / Getty

It comes nearly a year after the royal did not attend the Women's World Cup final between England's Lionesses and Spain in Australia.

William came under major scrutiny for the decision, which was made due to the trip involving flying across the world for a very short period, it is understood.

However, the Prince of Wales travelled to Berlin to watch the Men's Euro 2024 final between England and Spain earlier this month, accompanied by Prince George.

Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal commentator, spoke exclusively to GB News about William's decision to not travel to Australia in August 2023.

LionessesPrince William did not travel to Australia last year to watch the Lionesses in the World Cup finalPA

He said: "William should have gone, of course, to Australia last year for the Lionesses, so that has been taken on board.”

William and George's outing in Berlin coincided with Princess Charlotte attending the Wimbledon Men's final with Princess Kate.

When asked if Prince Louis, six, should have attended either of the sporting events in person, Fitzwilliams said: “No, I think he's a bit young still. Charlotte was at Wimbledon and George was in Berlin, so it was an admirable balance.

“Both looked extremely well and the nation's thoughts and prayers were mirrored in their body language, and that's part of being a royal so I think it was perfectly planned.

Prince William

Prince William has stepped down as the President of the FA

Reuters
\u200bPrince William and Prince George

Prince William and Prince George attended the Euro 2024 final in Berlin earlier this month

Getty

“There's so much attention paid to Louis playing and pulling faces - this was a serious event.

"The messages beforehand from the King and William and also afterwards were important and good to lift the national morale.

“The royals handled this very well."

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