Queen Letizia of Spain couldn’t resist joining in with her team’s celebrations after they won the women’s World Cup final today.
The glamorous royal, 50, dressed in a scarlet trouser suit (in honour of her team the Rojas – which means red), was filmed jumping for joy with her daughter Infanta Sofía, 16, alongside the triumphant footballer players.
Prior to kick-off, Letizia, who travelled to Sydney to cheer on the squad, said: ‘It’s a joy and it’s exciting to be here to support the Spanish Football team. They are already champions.’
Indeed, after winning the tense match, which ended 1-0 in Spain’s favour, the team were true world champions, and they celebrated in style, dancing on the pitch – with even the Spanish Queen joining in, as she jumped and pumped her fist into the air.
But while the Spanish team’s efforts (and ultimately victory) were keenly watched by the country’s royals, no member of the British Royal Family went to Australia to cheer on the Lionesses.
Following Spain’s victory, the players celebrated with Queen Letizia (pictured, left) and her daughter Sofia (pictured, right). Aitana Bonmati (centre) receives the ‘Golden Ball’ award
The Queen, resplendent in red like the players (known as the Rojas, which means red) celebrates by holding the trophy
At one point (pictured, left) the royal was seen dancing, punching the air and jumping in celebration. Meanwhile, daughter Sofia wrapped herself in the Spanish flag (pictured, right)
Queen Letizia appeared delighted as her team won the major footballing competition, beating the Lionesses to do so
Yesterday, Prince William apologised for not attending the World Cup final to cheer on England – as palace sources claim he was concerned about his carbon footprint and the diplomatic ramifications of going to Australia.
In a video posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ social media account ahead of the match, William wished the Lionesses luck alongside his daughter Princess Charlotte, who held a football.
Conversely, Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter, Infanta Sofia, had travelled to Sydney, ‘to show, once again, the royal household’s support for national football’, as confirmed by the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
The pair sat in the presidential box at the Accor Stadium, but weren’t joined by King Felipe, who was busy with other official duties.
Letizia visited the Spanish team in Madrid before they travelled to the tournament, watching them train and being presented with a personalised jersey.
She ended the visit with ‘a motivational speech that resonated deeply with the players and coaching staff’, the federation said.
After a tense final, Spain’s national team emerged the victor when the final whistle blew, with a score of 1-0
The royal appeared delighted thanks to the victory, and could barely contain her joy as she lifted the trophy
Letizia was photographed embracing the Spanish players after they won the tournament final today
Letizia eyed the trophy with pure joy as she joined the throngs of celebrations in the stadium today
A beaming Letizia was all smiles as she celebrated Spain’s victory with the team, jumping for joy
The Queen leaped for joy as she celebrated Spain’s victory following a challenging World Cup final
The royal was delighted as she revelled in the victory celebrations following a well-deserved win for Spain
Letizia and her daughter Sofia were both over the moon as they congratulated the Spanish team today
The Queen of Spain looked giddy with joy as she lifted the trophy on the podium in celebration after Spain
Letizia was filled with joy as she joined the roaring crowds to congratulate her national team on their win
Letizia couldn’t hold back her excitement as she greeted the Spanish team after their win today
Letizia couldn’t hide her excitement as she lifted up the trophy amid Spain’s celebrations earlier today
Spain’s Queen Letizia lifted the trophy as Spain’s players celebrated after winning the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup final
The overjoyed royal posed for photos with the national team, basking in the victorious energy today
The Prince of Wales shared his well wishes in the clip that was released ahead of the game.
During the video, the royal says: ‘Lionesses, I want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow. We’re sorry we can’t be there in person but we’re so proud of everything you have achieved and the millions you’ve inspired here and around the world.
‘So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.’ Meanwhile, a beaming Charlotte, adds: ‘Good luck Lionesses!’
The Prince did come under some fire for his decision not to travel to Australia to watch the match in person.
Kensington Palace sources cited several reasons why he decided to watch the game at home in Anmer Hall, Norfolk, instead.
One is carbon footprint, particularly because he will travel to the US next month to support his green campaign, Earthshot.
Letizia proudly presented the tropy to Spain as she delighted in the team’s stunning victory today
A proud Letizia gestured at Spain’s players after their victory over England’s Lionesses in today’s game
A delighted Letizia watched her national country’s incredible victory earlier today, as she attended the final
Letizia waved at spectators before the trophy ceremony at the end of the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup
FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Spain’s Queen Letizia pictured before the ceremony earlier today
Letizia and her young daughter Sofia were at the stadium to cheer Spain on in the finals earlier today
Letizia and Sofia watched on intently as they enjoyed a riveting game at the stadium earlier today
Letizia watched and applauded as she attended the Women’s World Cup final between Spain and England
Earlier, Spain’s Queen Letizia said her team ‘were already champions’ and ‘it’s a joy to support’ them at the World Cup final. Pictured, her daughter Sofia
The mother-of-two, 50, pictured left, was joined by her youngest daughter (pictured right) at today’s match
During the match, at times, the royal looked slightly tense as she watched the action unfolding on the pitch
Queen Letizia of Spain couldn’t help but grin as she attended the World Cup final today
Queen Letizia of Spain (pictured, left) was snapped looking stylish in red – the colour of Spain’s football strip – as she made her way to the match with her daughter Infanta Sofía (pictured, right)
Beaming: The royal appeared to be in good spirits as she made her way to the match which would see Spain take on England
The Lionesses will not have any members of the British royal family cheering them on, unlike Spain – Queen Letizia (pictured) and daughter Sofia will be cheering from the stands
Like her mother, 16-year-old Sofia also made sure to show off her national side’s colours, donning a large red scarf
Lady in red: The Spanish royal looked chic and stylish in her eye-catching and vibrant two-piece suit
Queen Letizia (pictured, left) is snapped inside the stadium before today’s match with FIFA president Gianni Infantino (pictured, right)
It was also considered not to be a diplomatically sound move – both on a family and political level.
William’s father Charles has still not visited Australia as King, a country where he is also monarch, and it was thought a short visit from his son would not be diplomatically astute.
A source added: ‘It was a finely balanced decision. The Prince of Wales hasn’t visited since 2014 so he would wish his next trip to Australia to be a substantial visit.
‘He met them [the Lionesses] in St George’s Park before they flew out and he has been supporting them throughout the tournament by sending private good luck messages to the manager and team.’