Sarina Wiegman defends royal family amid backlash over ‘unfortunate’ message to Lionesses

She insisted the blunder “would never, ever be intentional”

England Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman has dismissed criticism of the royal family and King Charles following an “unfortunate” message to the players.

The Lionesses beat Spain in yesterday (Sunday July 27) evening’s Women’s Euros final to retain the championship they won in 2022. Chloe Kelly dispatched the decisive strike in a climactic penalty shootout to conclude the tournament in Basel, Switzerland.

Furthermore, to add further prestige to the victory, Prince William and his daughter, Princess Charlotte, were in attendance to witness the moment in sporting history. But despite the royal association, there had previously been backlash online to the Lionesses having the backing of the monarch.
Sarina Wiegman led the Lionesses to Euro 2025 glory (Credit: Cover Images)

Did Princess Charlotte go to the Euro final?

On Sunday, the Prince of Wales was accompanied by his daughter Princess Charlotte for the momentous match at football venue St. Jakob-Park.

Pictures showed the young royal looking captivated by the thrilling action on the pitch as she sat with her father, Prince William.

While the sight of her elder brother, Prince George, going to games with their dad has happened several times, seeing Princess Charlotte at such a sporting occasion is a less regular occurrence. But fans were delighted to see it. They even hoped for more, suggesting she might help out in congratulating the players.

While that didn’t happen, the royals were still at the forefront of the minds of senior England staff. This included head coach Sarina. She offered her take on King Charles recently reaching out to the Lionesses.

Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman on royal family’s message of support

Sarina, tipped for an honorary Damehood for her achievements with the Lionesses, is said to have responded to reported reaction to a social media post ahead of the final attributed to King Charles.

I think the message from the royal family is that they really, really support us.

Last week, a post on X from the official royal family account wished the Lionesses all the best following their semi-final victory.

The post contained several images of England players, but did not include photos of the entire squad of players.

Some furious X users responding to the post were particularly put out by Michelle Agyemang, 19, not being included.

One person said: “Where is Agyemang?”

Another wrote: “That’s exactly my point. She played a crucial goal at quarter [finals].”

But Sarina has dismissed any suggestion that England’s young star player was left out on purpose.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of Sunday’s final, she said: “I think that would never, ever be intentional.”

Sarina continued: “I think the message from the royal family is that they really, really support us. And we really appreciate that. They support every single player and staff member.

“It’s unfortunate that [she] is not on the picture. But there’s all good intentions.”
King Charles to Lionesses: “Next task is to bring home the World Cup if you possibly can” (Credit: Splashnews.com)

King Charles congratulates the Lionesses

Meanwhile, King Charles has also offered his congratulations to the Lionesses after their spectacular triumph in the final. He said in a statement:  “For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant ‘football’s coming home’.

“As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true.

“For this, you have my whole family’s warmest appreciation and admiration.

“Well done, Lionesses. The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can.”