Why Prince William’s presence at the Euro Final really matters

This Saturday, as the Lionesses take to the pitch in Basel for the final of UEFA Women’s Euros, they’ll be cheered on not just by a nation, but by a future king. Prince William’s decision to attend the match against Spain is more than ceremonial. For that evening he won’t be heir to the throne, but a football fan watch in his nation (hopefully) storm to victory.

In his role as president of the Football Association, Prince William has long been a vocal supporter of the women’s game. He’s met players, hosted teams, and spoken publicly about the importance of sport in shaping confidence and character. But in football, as in life, actions speak louder than words. His commitment to travel to Switzerland and stand alongside the Lionesses at their biggest game since the 2023 World Cup final is a powerful endorsement of the team an and a clear recognition of the cultural momentum they represent.

It also comes with a sense of correction. When England met Spain in the World Cup final in Sydney two years ago, the absence of any senior royal – and particularly the FA president – struck a sour note. No amount of well-meaning video messages could quite compensate for the symbolism of that empty seat.

This time, that seat will be filled. And rightly so.

Because this isn’t just about football. It’s about visibility, validation and values. The Lionesses are not just elite athletes; they are pioneers. Their journey has transformed the landscape of women’s sport in Britain, inspiring a generation of girls who now grow up knowing that Wembley is theirs too. They’ve sold out stadiums, smashed viewing records, and – more importantly – dismantled the notion that men’s football is the default.

Some will say that a royal figurehead attending a major final featuring the national team is hardly cause for celebration. But the truth is, it hasn’t always been the case. Women’s football has had to fight for the attention and investment that its male counterpart receives as a matter of course. A gesture like this, from someone in Prince William’s position, helps to close that gap.

When the final whistle blows in Basel, the result will matter. But so will the image – beamed across the world – of a prince in the stands, cheering not out of obligation but conviction. It tells every young player watching that their game is not secondary. It is central to the sporting life of the nation.

And that, win or lose, is something worth celebrating.