The Prince of Wales has always been an avid fan of sports, especially football. However, it is unlikely he will attend the World Cup 2022 in Qatar to support his country for this reason.
Prince William has been notable in recent months in his position as the Football Association's head, from greeting the Lionesses on the field after their victory at Euro 2022 in July to going to England's national soccer center in October while the men's team prepared for the World Cup.
Today, however, it was revealed by the Independent that the Prince of Wales does not currently have any plans to support the England squad at the World Cup, though he may yet go if England advances to the knockout rounds.
This is why Prince William won't attend the WC
According to Sky News, due to his ‘busy winter schedule’, Prince William has ‘no plans’ to join Gareth Southgate and his players in England’s opening game against Iran on November 21, and that this has never been on his agenda. And a Kensington Palace official added that if the England team advances to the later rounds, then possibly the event might be relocated so that the Prince could participate.
According to the BBC, Prince William plans to visit the United States in order to present his Earthshot Prize Prize on December 2, which seeks to identify ways to rescue the globe.
A source told the publication that William, a staunch supporter of Aston Villa, has his diaries laid out six months in advance, but that 'no space was found for Qatar'.
However, Kensington Palace stated that it's likely his schedule may be changed if England advances farther in the tournament. As a result, the likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, and Mason Mount, among others will have to try their best to receive the Prince's in-person support.
The Prince has never attended a World Cup
According to the Dailymail, the Prince has missed the World Cup several times since taking over as FA President in 2006, including in 2018 in Russia and 2014 in Brazil, so this is by no means a novelty.
However, given that many consider Qatar to be a contentious host nation for the tournament, his presence there always had the potential to generate conversation. Concerns over the country's attitude toward LGBT+ individuals and allegations of mistreatment of migrant workers on the World Cup stadium raise human rights issues. Following today's front-page report in The Sun newspaper that the Prince will not travel to Qatar, attention has turned to William's presence at the athletic event.
James Cleverly, the foreign secretary, received criticism as well after advising LGBT World Cup attendees to ‘respect’ the host country.
Despite the many dramas surrounding Qatar, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office of the UK advises anyone who are considering traveling to Qatar for the event that 'everyone is welcome' at the World Cup. They claim:
‘Host authorities have stated that 'everyone is welcome' at the World Cup. They have publicly confirmed that there will be no restrictions on non-married friends or couples (including LGBT people) staying in the same room’.
Read more:
⋙ David Beckham faces backlash after starring in Qatar promotional video
⋙ Prince William set to make the Prince of Wales title his own
⋙ This is what The Queen gave Prince William for his birthday
⋙ Prince William and Princess Catherine: Reason for absence from Royal Duties
