Welsh Women’s Football Team Debuts at Euro 2025

Prince William extended his best wishes to the Welsh women’s national team ahead of their first-ever match in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, scheduled for 5 pm today. Sharing a message on social media in Welsh, he said: “Best of luck to Wales as they compete in their first Women’s Euros. It’s a proud and historic moment for Welsh football.” The post was also translated into English, emphasizing the significance of this milestone.

Supporters have traveled in large numbers to the tournament in Switzerland to cheer on the team as they face the reigning champions, the Netherlands. Despite being the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, fans remain optimistic about a potential victory and have packed stadiums in vibrant Welsh colors, waving flags and donning team jerseys.

Women’s football in Wales has its roots in the late 1800s and saw increased popularity during World War I. However, a ban was imposed in 1922 by the Football Association of Wales, prohibiting women’s matches on affiliated grounds. The ban was lifted in 1970, and Wales played its first association-level game in 1973. Their first Euro qualifying match in 1995 attracted just 345 spectators, but today, Wales boasts the second-highest ticket sales among all participating nations at Euro 2025.

Prince William, who became the Prince of Wales after inheriting the titles following his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022, has shown his support for women’s football. In 2022, he revealed he was learning Welsh, using apps like Duolingo, and has expressed pride in the nation’s sporting achievements.