There are moments in sport that transcend the game itself, moments when the stakes feel higher, the cheers sound louder, and the eyes of a nation—and sometimes even its royal family—are fixed on a single patch of green. As England’s Lionesses clinched their spot in the Euro 2025 final with a heart-stopping victory over Italy, the air back home was thick with pride and anticipation. But this time, the story isn’t just about the players on the field or the goals scored in extra time. It’s about a future king, a father, and a lifelong football fan who’s decided that some moments are too important to miss. Prince William, the Prince of Wales, will be in Basel, Switzerland on Sunday, cheering on the Lionesses as they chase glory. Kensington Palace confirmed what fans had been hoping: the prince, who serves as patron of the Football Association, will be there in person, waving the flag for England’s women and, in a way, for every girl who ever dreamed of playing under the stadium lights.

It’s a gesture that speaks volumes, not just about William’s love of the game but his understanding of what this moment means for the country. England’s women have become more than just a football team—they’re a symbol of resilience, unity, and hope. Their journey to the final has been nothing short of cinematic, filled with last-minute goals, nail-biting drama, and a camaraderie that’s inspired millions. And as the final whistle blew in their semi-final against Italy, it was Chloe Kelly’s winning goal that sent the team—and the entire nation—into a frenzy. Social media exploded, pub gardens overflowed, and in living rooms across the country, families hugged, cried, and dared to believe that maybe, just maybe, this would be their year.

For Prince William, the decision to travel to Switzerland wasn’t just about fulfilling royal duty. It was about being present, about showing up for the team he’s supported so passionately, and about sending a message to every young fan that their dreams matter. Earlier in the tournament, William had already made the trip to Switzerland to watch the Lionesses dominate the Netherlands 4-0 in a group stage masterclass. He’d visited the team at St George’s Park before they departed for the championships, offering words of encouragement that resonated far beyond the training pitch. “The men’s team could definitely learn from your camaraderie and your team environment,” he told them, his voice brimming with admiration. “You’re brilliant together, you create a very unique unit that is rare in lots of other sports. So hold onto that, treasure that, build on it, because it’s one of your greatest assets.”

It’s clear that William isn’t just a figurehead for English football—he’s a genuine fan, someone who feels the highs and lows as deeply as anyone in the stands. And while he and Kate have taken a step back from royal duties this week to spend time with their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, all on summer break—it’s likely the Wales family has been glued to the TV, living every moment with the team. After the Lionesses’ dramatic win over Italy, William took to social media to gush: “Brilliant performance @Lionesses! One game from glory!” The message was simple but heartfelt, the kind of praise that means the world coming from the future king.

For the Lionesses, the support from the royal family is more than just a morale boost—it’s a validation of years of hard work, sacrifice, and belief. Women’s football in England has come a long way, and there’s something poetic about the prince who once handed them the Euro trophy at Wembley in 2022 now making the journey to Basel to stand with them again. That victory over Germany two years ago was a watershed moment, not just for the team but for the sport itself. It was proof that women’s football could capture the nation’s imagination, that it could fill stadiums, break TV records, and inspire a new generation.

But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Last year, William faced heavy criticism when he didn’t travel to support the Lionesses in the World Cup final against Spain. The team fell short in Sydney, and while the prince sent his best wishes via a video message—joined by his daughter Charlotte—many fans felt his absence. In a world where symbolism matters, where presence can speak louder than words, the decision stung. But this time, there’s no hesitation. William will be there, in the thick of it, cheering, hoping, and maybe, just maybe, shedding a tear if the Lionesses bring it home.

It’s not yet known if any of his three children will join him in Switzerland. Last year, Prince George accompanied his father to the men’s Euro final in Berlin, a father-son outing that captured the hearts of fans even as England lost to Spain. There’s something deeply human about those moments—about a future king sharing the agony and ecstasy of football with his son, about a family united by sport, about the ways in which these games become more than just matches, but memories that last a lifetime.

The announcement of William’s presence at the final has electrified fans and players alike. It’s not just about royal protocol or public appearances—it’s about solidarity, about standing shoulder to shoulder with a team that has given everything. And it’s not just the prince who’s watching. King Charles himself issued a statement, his pride unmistakable. “My wife and I join all our family in wishing you, the proud Lionesses, our warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the UEFA Euro tournament,” he wrote. “Your journey to this stage has been nothing short of remarkable, showcasing the skill, determination (and test of nerve!) for which your team is so rightly celebrated. Knowing the Lionesses’ fighting spirit, I suspect we are in for another thrilling encounter on Sunday. Your achievements continue to inspire countless girls and women across the nation, proving once again that with dedication and teamwork, anything is possible. Good luck, England. May you roar to victory once more. Charles R.”

It’s not just the royals who are caught up in the fever. Prime Minister Keir Starmer added his voice to the chorus, posting on social media: “What a performance. Into the final and inspiring the nation. Let’s bring it home.” The sense of unity, of shared purpose, is palpable. In a year marked by political upheaval, economic uncertainty, and global unrest, the Lionesses have given the country something to believe in—a reason to hope, to celebrate, to come together.

And so, as Sunday approaches, anticipation reaches a fever pitch. In Basel, the stage is set for a showdown that promises drama, passion, and, for one team, immortality. The Lionesses will face either Germany or Spain, two giants of the game, but they’ll do so with the backing of a nation—and a prince—who believe in them. For William, the trip is more than just a royal engagement. It’s a chance to stand with the team he admires, to share in their triumph or heartbreak, to be part of a story that’s bigger than football.

Because in the end, that’s what sport is all about. It’s about hope and heartbreak, about coming together and daring to dream. It’s about fathers and daughters, kings and commoners, all united by a love of the game. And on Sunday, as the Lionesses take the field and the eyes of England turn to Switzerland, Prince William will be there—cheering, believing, and reminding us all that sometimes, the most powerful thing a leader can do is simply show up.