Britain’s Prince William will not attend the World Cup quarter-finals between England and France on Saturday, but if Gareth Southgate’s team reaches the semi-finals, he may travel to Qatar next week, according to the latest report by Daily Mail reporter Matt Hughes.
The Duke of Cambridge is also president of the FA and a loyal England fan who played in the 2010 World Cup as a fan.
Prince William also chose to miss England’s Group B match against Wales, but sources at Kensington Palace said he was absent because of a busy schedule rather than a boycott.
If the prince chooses to attend England’s semi-finals rather than in his personal capacity, he will form a government delegation, including senior ministers.
Sports Minister Stuart Andrew watched England’s victory over Wales in Doha last week. Lord Ahmed of Wimbledon, who was recently appointed minister for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, is still in Doha.
But Prince William is clearly willing to go to Qatar, in stark contrast to his attitude to the 2018 World Cup in Russia. At that time, although England reached the semi-finals, he did not participate in the World Cup in Russia at all.