Princess Charlotte Lionesses 'carefully considered' decision sends 'clear message'

Princess Charlotte's presence at the Women's Euro 2025 final delivers a "clear" signal that "women's football is for girls", according to one commentator. Following the Lionesses' triumph, writer Emily Watkins weighed in on what she termed the "distinctly male preserve" of football and its "undeniably masculine" nature in her comment piece.

She suggested that women's football is an example of how female activities are ultimately gendered and highlighted Prince William and Kate Middleton's daughter Princess Charlotte's appearance at the Euros final.

Emily maintained that bringing Charlotte was probably "carefully considered", given that theRoyal Family's "every move is choreographed", yet she believes the "message was clear".

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She wrote: "And while I understand that a young girl might find female athletes more interesting to watch than men, surely it would send a stronger message to see her brothers there with her - and to see Charlotte at men's matches too?"

In her piece for the i Paper, she continued: "To me - and presumably to children across the land - the message was clear, even if inadvertent: women's football is for girls."

On Sunday (July 27), the Prince of Wales and Charlotte were among those rejoicing as they witnessed the Lionessesretain the Euros with victory at St Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland.

During the nail-biting encounter, England's women's footballsquad fought back to secure victory against Spain after falling behind in the first half, with Alessia Russo finding the equaliser before the clash went to a penalty shootout.

The Lionesses would eventually emerge triumphant, with substitute Chloe Kelly netting the decisive spot-kick for England to seal a commanding 3-1 triumph.

It follows reports that the women's game has witnessed a surge in popularity following the squad'sEuro 2022 triumph. The team's 'Everyone watches the Lionesses' shirts have even been incorporated into Nike's official merchandise.

Speaking about their achievements, skipper Leah Williamson revealed at a press conference that the environment "keeps changing" and they're "trying to change with it", acknowledging they don't wish to be a "flash in the pan".

She said: "We don't want to be a flash in the pan or a memory. We're still trying to play our role by being on this stage, we know how powerful that is. We're trying to elevate the respect for the women's game and the respect for women generally."

The Lionesses have also made a significant impact at the grassroots level. Last year, the FA announced that participation amongst women and girls in football had soared by 56 per cent across four years.

In a statement on the FA website, Baroness Sue Campbell, the FA's director of women's football, expressed: "It is remarkable what has been achieved in just four years across all levels, with more women and girls stepping forward to play, coach, officiate and participate as fans. But there is still more work to be done for the sport to reach the heights we know it can grow to."

Kensington Palace has been approached for a response.