Queen Letizia of Spain today showed her support for her country’s women’s soccer team, saying in a pre-match interview that the players were “already champions”.
The glamorous queen, who donned a scarlet pantsuit to cheer on her national team named Rojas (which means red), was full of praise for the team as she spoke to the press ahead of the World Cup final against England’s Lionesses.
Letizia, who traveled to Sydney with her 16-year-old daughter Infanta Sofía to cheer on the players, said: “It’s a pleasure and exciting to be here to support the Spanish football team.” They are already champions.’
And the 50-year-old Queen, wife of King Felipe VI. from Spain, caught the eye in a sleek red suit paired with a black blouse. Meanwhile, Sofía opted for an oversized statement scarf in red, which she paired with a cream coat.
But while Spain has the support of its royals in the stands, there is no member of the British royal family cheering for the Lionesses in Australia.
Queen Letizia of Spain (pictured) traveled to Sydney to cheer on the Rojas – the Spanish national team – in the final of the Women’s World Cup
The glamorous 50-year-old looked serious in a red pantsuit paired with a black blouse, handbag and heeled boots
Prince William and Princess Charlotte (both pictured) appeared together in a clip wishing the Lionesses the best of luck in the World Cup final against Spain, although no member of the British royal family will be watching the game in person
Yesterday, Prince William apologized for not being there to cheer for England at the World Cup final – palace sources claim he was concerned about his carbon footprint and the diplomatic ramifications of a trip to Australia.
In a video posted to the Prince and Princess of Wales’ social media account, William wished the lionesses good luck, along with his daughter Princess Charlotte, who was holding a soccer ball.
Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter, Infanta Sofia, were in Sydney “to show once again the support of the royal household for national football,” confirmed the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
The couple were seated in the Accor Stadium presidential box but were unaccompanied by King Felipe, who was busy with other official duties.
Letizia visited the Spanish team in Madrid ahead of their trip to the tournament, watched them train and was presented with a personalized shirt.
She ended the visit with “a motivational speech that was well received by the players and coaching staff,” the association said.
While the Spanish royals will be cheering for their national team, the Lionesses won’t get the same support from members of The Firm.
Prince William, the president of the English Football Association, published a video wishing the team the best of luck for the game against Spain.
The mother of two, 50, (pictured left) was joined by her youngest daughter (pictured right) for tonight’s game
During the game, the Royal looked slightly tense at times as she watched the action on the pitch
Queen Letizia of Spain couldn’t help but smile as she watched the World Cup final today
Queen Letizia of Spain (pictured left) was photographed looking stylish in red – the color of Spain’s soccer jersey – as she headed to the match with her daughter Infanta Sofía (pictured right).
Beaming: Los Blancos appeared to be in good spirits as she headed to the game where England will play Spain
Unlike Spain, the Lionesses will not be cheered on by members of the British royal family – Queen Letizia (pictured) and daughter Sofia will be cheering from the stands
Like her mother, 16-year-old Sofia made sure to flaunt her national team’s colors and wore a big red scarf
Lady in Red: The Queen of Spain looked chic and stylish in her striking and colorful two-piece suit
Queen Letizia (pictured left) is photographed with FIFA President Gianni Infantino (pictured right) at the stadium ahead of today’s match.
During the clip, the royal says, “Lionesses, I want to send you the best of luck for tomorrow.” We’re sorry we can’t be there in person, but we’re so proud of everything you’ve accomplished and who you are Millions you have inspired here and around the world.
“So go out tomorrow and really enjoy yourself.” Meanwhile, a beaming Charlotte adds, “Good luck lionesses!”
The prince has come under criticism for his decision not to travel to Australia to watch the game in person.
Kensington Palace sources gave several reasons why the prince has decided to watch the game at home in Anmer Hall, Norfolk instead.
One of them is carbon footprint, especially as he will be traveling to the US next month to support his green campaign Earthshot.
It was also seen as not a diplomatically sensible move – on both a family and political level.
William’s father Charles has still not visited Australia as king, a country where he is also monarch, and it is believed a brief visit by his son would not be diplomatically prudent.
A source added: “It was a balanced decision.” The Prince of Wales hasn’t visited since 2014 so he would like his next trip to Australia to be a full visit.
“He met her [the Lionesses] at St George’s Park before they took off and he supported them throughout the tournament sending private congratulations to the manager and the team.’