Princess Leonor, Princess of Asturias, 19, and her younger sister Infanta Sofía, 18, are set to journey this Sunday to Basel, Switzerland, to show their support for Spain’s women’s national football team in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final.
The Spanish royal household shared on social media: “H.R.H. the Princess of Asturias and the Infanta Doña Sofía will accompany the @sefutbolfem in the final of the #WEURO2025. Representing the @CasaReal, they will attend the St. Jakob‑Park in Basel to experience the match between England and Spain. #PlayFightAndWin.” The announcement included a photo of both princesses, proudly holding team shirts bearing the number 10—worn by star player Athenea Del Castillo.
This high-stakes match pits Spain, fresh from a 1–0 extra-time victory over Germany in Basel with a stunning goal from Aitana Bonmatí, against England, who edged past Italy in equally dramatic fashion.
Joining them in the stadium will be Prince William, Prince of Wales and President of The Football Association, cheering on the Lionesses. Kensington Palace confirmed his attendance this week.
From Madrid to Basel, this marks a notable alignment of royal support across nations. For the Spanish royals, this sisterly appearance underscores their growing public roles. Leonor, heir to the Spanish throne and currently completing her naval training at Spain’s Naval Military Academy, continues her official duties while maintaining a high profile in national events. Meanwhile, Infanta Sofía, soon to begin her university studies at Forward College in Lisbon, Paris and Berlin, has steadily matured into her public persona.
Across the stadium stands, Prince William’s presence signals a turning point. His decision to attend this match comes after criticism following his absence from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final in Australia, when England took on Spain. Royal Central notes that “for that evening he won’t be heir to the throne, but a football fan”—elevating the game’s cultural, not just ceremonial, significance.
Public and fan reaction to William’s outings this tournament has been enthusiastic. After attending England’s 4–0 group stage win over the Netherlands in Zurich on July 9, fans on social media jokingly dubbed him England’s “lucky charm.” One wrote: “Can Prince William be at every England game? He’s the good luck charm!!”
A wave of royal goodwill has rippled across both nations. Following England’s semi-final triumph, the British monarch King Charles also sent a message to coach Sarina Wiegman, saying: “Your journey…nothing short of remarkable…Good luck, England. May you roar to victory once more.”
From the Spanish side, Queen Letizia and King Felipe’s daughters’ attendance past events has drawn praise for showing solidarity and national pride. Their previous presence at the 2023 Women’s World Cup final in Australia was widely noted and, at times, contrasted with UK royal absence.
This royal convergence in Basel—Leonor, Sofía, and William—caps a tournament steeped in symbolism. Spain seeks its first major women’s championship triumph, while England aims to defend their Euro crown. On the pitch, the stakes are high; off it, the optics tell a story of modern monarchy embracing sport, cross-border cooperation, and public engagement.
For Spain, the sisters’ visibility supports the monarchy’s commitment to youth, sporting excellence, and international representation. For the UK royals, William’s return to high-profile sports events marks a pivot in royal support for women’s football—especially under Prince William’s patronage of the FA—and offers a response to previous criticism.
As fans count down to the Sunday 27 July final at St. Jakob-Park, the alignment of these royal figures from Spain and the UK sets a historic stage—not only for sport but for the evolving face of European royalty. Whatever the result, this moment of royal sporting solidarity will be remembered.