SUNRISE host Natalie Barr has slammed Prince William for snubbing the Women’s World Cup final in favour of a short video message.
The Australian presenter, 55, said she was stunned that the Prince of Wales hadn’t bothered to make the journey for the historic game.
Natalie Barr said she wasn’t impressed with Prince William’s video message
The future King and Princess Charlotte shared a clip on Instagram wishing the Lionesses good luck
The heir to the throne and President of the FA has been criticised for swerving a seat in the stands to watch England take on Spain.
Instead of attending in person, Wills and his daughter Princess Charlotte wished the Lionesses luck in a 14-second clip on Instagram.
But his decision not to fly over to Australia has prompted a huge backlash – even from the host country’s breakfast show presenters.
Nat and her co-host Matt Shirvington discussed the outrage among football fans, while telling of their shock that he seemingly gave the women’s team the cold shoulder.
The pair were initially talking through reports that King Charles has called an urgent meeting with Wills and Kate.
He reportedly wants to discuss the future of the monarchy – and if the pair will use their “star quality” to lead the charge.
However, the presenters seemed desperate to get their feelings off their chest about the prince’s no-show.
Nat told viewers: “You would have thought this would have been an easy get and he does the video with Charlotte, which is lovely…
“But, really, that takes about five minutes and he could have been out here with such a massive, massive event.”
Matt echoed her comments, before asking Royal expert Russell Myers about his opinion on the World Cup controversy.
The guest said it was a “huge, huge shame” that the future King was not present for such a pivotal moment in women’s football.
Myers said: “I thought it was absolutely incredible how he didn’t get on the plane to support our girls.
“I can’t believe a situation where William wouldn’t have got on the plane wherever the World Cup final was for the men’s tournament and not be there to support the men’s team.
“I think there’s millions of not only young girls but young boys were followed this tournament and William should have been on that plane and watched the final, a huge, huge shame.
“Then we take the separate aspects of the Commonwealth countries threatening to leave, I mean this is a big thing that could totally be King Charles’ legacy.
“So I think they’ve got to unite and work out what’s best for the monarchy, to be honest.”
Matt pointed out that Wills’ attendance “could have been a really good bridge-building opportunity” to connect with sovereign states.
However, it has been speculated that Wills may have not had any choice in whether he attended or not.
Some reports indicated that King Charles, who is Australia’s head of state, has not yet visited the country, after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II.
That would mean William, who is currently on his summer holiday, cannot constitutionally visit before him.
Although, other reports have suggested he made the decision not to travel due to environmental concerns.
The journey would mean flying to the other side of the world for just a short period of time.
Sun columnist and TV presenter Piers Morgan also hit out at the royal, saying: “With respect, YRH (Your Royal Highness), you should have got on a plane.
“Ridiculous that the Queen of Spain is attending the World Cup Final to support her nation’s team, and you won’t be there despite being President of the FA.”
Nat and Matt didn’t hold back when discussing the Prince’s snub
