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Prince Charlotte has signed off a royal statement with her name for the first time, praising the Lionesses for their Euros triumph.
The 10-year-old joined her dad in the stands in Basel, Switzerland, to watch England’s nail-biting penalties win over Spain to secure their second European cup in a row.
The statement, posted on the Prince and Princess’ of Wales X account, reads: ‘What a game!
‘Lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn’t be prouder of the whole team.
‘Enjoy this moment England. W & Charlotte.’
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Charlotte’s first initial has appeared on at least two previous messages issued from the account but it’s the first time she’s signed one off with her full name.
The princess was pictured in various states of emotion as the tense game went on, at one point clasping her face in her hands after Spain took the lead with the first goal in the 25th minute.
She was seen throwing her fists up as Chloe Kelly scored the decisive penalty following two crucial saves from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.
Prince William and FA Chair Debbie Hewitt then shared a double high-five over Charlotte’s head, who was applauding and smiling.
The 10-year-old was also seen leaning forward to chat to Crown Princess Leonor of Spain, 19, and her sister Princess Sofia, 18.
What is Prince William’s role in the FA?
The Prince of Wales has strong ties with the Football Association, having been President from 2006 until last year.
That role, which had been occupied by a member of the royal family since 1939, was a figurehead position.
Although it did not carry major responsibilities, William helped support the FA in ‘promoting the game nationally and internationally’.
He is now Patron of the FA, a more scaled-back role he has taken so he can focus more on his responsibilities as Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall.
Patronage does not confer decision-making power, and essentially helps provide publicity to an organisation through affiliation to the royal family.
It typically involves showing up to events, occasionally carrying out ceremonial duties such as ribbon-cutting.
The FA has said that the ‘active role’ William continues to take within the organisation means the position of President ‘will not be filled’ for the time being.
The win sparked massive celebrations in pubs and viewing parks around the UK, as well as a torrent of praise for the Lionesses from public figures.
Sir Keir, posting moments after the victory, said: ‘Champions! Congratulations Lionesses – what a team. What a game. What drama.
‘You dug deep when it mattered most and you’ve made the nation proud. History makers.’
William was among the first to congratulate striker Michelle Agyemang on being awarded young player of the tournament, shaking her hand on the pitch.
What does the Lionesses’ triumph mean to you?
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Agyemang, 19, had made only one appearance for England before the tournament, and played only 138 minutes of the competition.
But she scored crucial late equalisers in the quarter-final against Sweden and the semi-final against Italy.
Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmati was named player of the tournament, while her teammate Esther Gonzalez was top scorer with four goals.
The Lionesses will attend a Downing Street reception today followed by a victory parade in central London tomorrow.
Celebrations, which began with captain Leah Williamson and teammate Sarina Wiegman cutting a cake, were reportedly still well under way at 4am.
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