King and Princess Charlotte lead praise for 'awesome' Lionesses after Euro win

King Charles led widespread praise for England's victorious women's football team, the Lionesses, calling them "awesome" after they won the European Championship on Sunday. He stated England demonstrated that "there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms," following their nail-biting penalty shootout win against Spain.

Prince William and Princess Charlotte, who watched the match in person in Basel, Switzerland, expressed that they "couldn't be prouder" of the team. A social media statement from them after the match read: "What a game! Lionesses, you are the champions of Europe... Enjoy this moment England." Princess Charlotte was seen applauding during the game.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, also present at the match, labelled the Lionesses "history makers" in a post on X, adding "You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud." Downing Street announced a special reception hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock on Monday to mark this "momentous achievement".

In his official statement, King Charles referenced the famous England fan chant 'football's coming home', saying the Lionesses made those words ring true "through sporting skill and awesome teamwork". He conveyed his "whole family's warmest appreciation and admiration" and concluded, "Well done, Lionesses. The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can."

The victory secured the Lionesses' place as only the second women's team after Germany to retain the European Championship. It also marked the first time any England football team has won a major trophy away from home.

Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps, who retired in May, called her former teammates "incredible".