England is one win away from a World Cup final, but the Prince of Wales won’t be in the stands to cheer them on. Prince William, a diehard soccer fan and patron of England’s Football Association, has decided to sit out the semifinal clash against Argentina on Wednesday in the United States.
According to The Royal Observer, the decision has sparked criticism back home. The prince, who previously served as president of the FA, is known for his passionate support of Aston Villa F.C. and has been a visible presence at major soccer events. But this time, he’s choosing to stay away.
Instead of heading to the stadium, Prince William spent time visiting local fishermen in Hastings, East Sussex. Royal commentator Daniel Elser noted the unusual choice, especially given England’s historic run.
Why the Prince Is Staying Home
Royal insider Dan Wakeford of Celebrity Intelligence revealed the likely reason: Prince William wants to avoid a run-in with U.S. President Donald Trump. A Buckingham Palace source told Wakeford that the prince is keen to “keep his distance” from Trump, who is expected to be at the match.
“Trump loves the royals, and William and Kate especially, so there are concerns within royal circles that if William turns up in America right now, Trump will make a beeline for him. William’s done more than enough Trump-time over the past year,” the insider said. “He doesn’t want to be associated with Trump more than he needs to be. As a future head of state, he knows he has to engage with world leaders and press the flesh, but he wants to keep his distance where he can. Turning down a meeting on home soil would be a bad look.”
This isn’t the first time the royals have navigated tricky diplomatic waters. Earlier this year, Melania Trump's disapproval of a viral World Cup dance also made headlines, showing how intertwined the tournament has become with political figures.
A Final Would Change Everything
Interestingly, Prince William recently told the Kelce brothers on their New Heights show that he would attend the World Cup final if England makes it. President Trump is almost certain to be there as well, which raises questions about the logic of skipping the semifinal just to avoid someone he’d inevitably meet if England wins.
England faces Argentina on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET in a match that could define a generation. The Three Lions are chasing their second World Cup title, and the nation is buzzing. But while fans pack the stadiums across America—many of whom have admitted they were wrong about hosting the tournament in the U.S.—the prince will be watching from across the Atlantic.
The decision has sparked debate among royal watchers and soccer fans alike. Some see it as a savvy political move, while others view it as a missed opportunity to show support for the national team. Either way, Prince William’s absence will be felt in the stands—and perhaps in the White House box as well.
