Princess Anne addressed England’s heartbreaking World Cup exit at a youth sporting initiative in Bangkok organised by Save the Children and Liverpool Football Club Foundation during her official tour of Thailand.
The Princess Royal encountered former England striker Emile Heskey at the Play for Change event, where she spoke candidly about the previous night’s disappointment.
“I know the value of football, and I know the value of sport in so many different ways. It’s not just about competition,” she told attendees.
Anne highlighted how sport builds “confidence and teamwork and talent, and the confidence to have that talent and to deal with success and failure.”
Princess Anne addressed England’s heartbreaking World Cup exit at a youth sporting initiative in Bangkok organised by Save the Children and Liverpool Football Club Foundation during her official tour of Thailand.
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PA
She acknowledged those present from Liverpool’s foundation were “having to deal with failure this morning,” adding an apology for their lack of sleep.
Elsewhere in Britain, King Charles offered his own wry commentary on the defeat whilst visiting a brewery in Blandford, Dorset.
“Maybe it’s a good day to drown a few sorrows,” the monarch quipped as he pulled a pint during the tour.
The Prince of Wales had already shared his reaction the previous evening, declaring himself “gutted” by the result whilst expressing pride in the national team’s efforts.
Anne highlighted how sport builds “confidence and teamwork and talent, and the confidence to have that talent and to deal with success and failure.”
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PA
The royal responses came as the nation processed the painful semi-final exit, with members of the family acknowledging the collective disappointment felt across the country following the loss to Argentina.
Argentina, the defending champions, mounted a comeback to defeat England 2-1 in Atlanta, extinguishing hopes of ending six decades without a World Cup triumph.
The Three Lions had been seeking their first tournament victory since 1966, but the semi-final proved a step too far against the South American side.
Following his encounter with the Princess Royal, Heskey remained philosophical about the outcome.
“Everyone’s talking about the match,” he observed, confirming Anne had discussed the result with him.
Despite describing it as “a little bit disappointing,” the former striker maintained an optimistic outlook, insisting England were “on the right track” and would succeed “next time.”
Beyond the World Cup discussions, Anne’s visit to Thailand included significant diplomatic duties following her earlier trip to South Korea.
The Princess Royal held an audience with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, presenting a letter of condolence regarding the recent bar fire in a popular Bangkok district that claimed more than 32 lives.
During her speech, Anne also extended her “deepest condolences” to Thailand’s king following the death of his mother, Queen Sirikit, last year and his eldest daughter Princess Bajrakitiyabha, who passed away last month after spending three years in a coma.
“I fear in moments of loss that we are reminded of the importance of relationships and the values that we all share,” she remarked.