
As one of his many official roles, Prince William serves as president of the Football Association (we're talking soccer here, btw). It's therefore in this capacity that the Duke of Cambridge attended the FA Cup final on May 14.
The match saw Chelsea take on Liverpool, and fans of the latter were clearly heard booing the duke before kickoff. They also booed the British national anthem (titled "God Save the Queen").
Reactions to said booing have been mixed, to say the least—there are those unequivocally praising Liverpool fans for holding up their principles, and those unequivocally condemning their actions, including a series of British politicians, according to the Independent.
For context, Liverpudlians didn't boo just because they felt like it: There is actually a long tradition of them doing this. According to LiverpoolWorld, it started in the 1980s, in protest of Conservative government policies, and following the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which saw 96 Liverpool fans lose their lives during the FA Cup semi-final.
Fans began booing the national anthem, as a symbolic extension of the Tory (Conservative) government. On this latest occasion, the booing also extended to Prince William—who many felt represented inherited wealth as the U.K. suffers a cost of living crisis, according to an op-ed in the Independent.
On Twitter, royal fans expressed their discontent. "I think it would be the right thing to do if Jurgen Klopp made a public apology on behalf of the Liverpool Fans to HRH Prince William on their despicable & outrageous behaviour during the National Anthem," wrote one person.
"Disgusted with Wembley booing Prince William and the National anthem especially after cleaning his diary to present Deborah James with her Damehood yesterday," wrote another (Deborah James is a cancer campaigner who has gained wide public acclaim for the way she reframes how we approach death).
Still others commented on the discrepancy between the outrage at a royal being booed and the lack of reaction when soccer fans act in overtly racist ways. "The outrage at Prince William being booed at the FA Cup Final is greater to some than when players are subjected to racist chants," wrote radio presenter Lorraine King. "I'm seeing people lose their minds over this who have been absolutely silent in the past when it comes to racist abuse"
Reactions to the booing was also compared to the treatment of Meghan Markle while she was a working royal. "Booing Prince William is deemed 'abuse," tweeted one user. "But Meghan Markle should have endured years of relentless racist and bigoted harassment with a smile on her face. Did I get that right, UK Media?"
The outrage at Prince William being booed at the FA Cup Final is greater to some than when players are subjected to racist chants.I'm seeing people lose their minds over this who have been absolutely silent in the past when it comes to racist abuseWe see you 👀May 15, 2022
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
The Perfumer Behind Last Year's Most Talked-About Fragrance Just Released Another Perfect Scent
Aqua Media Cologne forte embodies a feeling of balance and harmony.
By Deena Campbell
-
'Yellowface' Is Our June Book Club Pick
Read an excerpt from R.F. Kuang's latest novel, here, then dive in with us throughout the month.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
I Scoured the Summer Runways—Here Are the Six Shoe Trends Actually Worth Buying
Hit the ground running this season.
By Emma Childs
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Seen Skipping Happily With Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in Behind-the-Scenes Footage
This is too cute.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Blames 'Daily Mirror' Publishers for Chelsy Davy Breakup in Court Documents
The court case began this week.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Tabloid Stories About Prince Harry Came From Members of the Royal Family, 'Daily Mirror' Publisher Claims
These claims could corroborate previous statements from Harry.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Hugged a Little Girl Who Burst Into Tears During Windsor Walkabout, And Told Her Mom to Get Her an Ice Cream
So cute!!!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Here's How Princess Kate Kept an Eye on Prince Louis During the Coronation, According to a Body Language Expert
Smart.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Louis Was Filmed Eating a S'more So Delicious It Literally Made Him "Weak at the Knees"
Oh, Louis.
By Iris Goldsztajn