The King has led a chorus of praise for the “awesome” Lionesses after their European Championship victory on Sunday.<\/p>\n
After Sarina Wiegman’s side clinched a nail-biting win against Spain on penalties, he said England had showed “there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms”. <\/p>\n
Prince William and Princess Charlotte, who watched the match from the stands in Switzerland, said they “couldn’t be prouder” of the side.<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who was also in attendance, called the team “history makers”.<\/p>\n
In a statement released after the final whistle, the King said: “For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant ‘football’s coming home’.<\/p>\n
“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. <\/p>\n
“For this, you have my whole family’s warmest appreciation and admiration.<\/p>\n
“Well done, Lionesses. The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can.”<\/p>\n
Princess Charlotte was seen applauding from the stands alongside her father at St Jakobs-Park in Basel during the hard-fought contest against Spain.<\/p>\n
After the match, a statement from her and Prince William was shared on social media: “What a game! Lionesses, you are the champions of Europe. We couldn’t be prouder of the whole team. Enjoy this moment England.”<\/p>\n
The victory saw the Lionesses become the first women’s team to retain a European Championship, and also the first England football team to win a major trophy away from home.<\/p>\n
After the match, Sir Keir wrote on X: “Champions! Congratulations Lionesses – what a team. What a game. What drama.<\/p>\n
“You dug deep when it mattered most and you’ve made the nation proud. History makers.”<\/p>\n
Goalkeeper Mary Earps, who retired from England duty in May after being dropped from the squad for Euro 2025, said her former teammates were “incredible”.<\/p>\n
An open-top bus tour will be held in central London on Tuesday to mark the win, with a celebration due to be held outside Buckingham Palace.<\/p>\n
It will process along The Mall from 12.10pm, before a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial.<\/p>\n
Fans can attend for free and it will also be broadcast on the BBC.<\/p>\n