Spain’s Royal Family could not hide their delight as they leapt, clapped and celebrated the national team’s dramatic march into the World Cup final after Tuesday night’s high-stakes showdown with France.
King Felipe VI, 58, embraced Queen Letizia and their daughters, Princess Leonor, 20, and Infanta Sofía, 19, as Spain celebrated a commanding 2-0 win over one of the tournament’s most formidable opponents.
They congratulated the team on Instagram, writing: ‘You have proved again why you are one of the great teams in the world.
“Now, with an entire country behind you, it is time to go and fight for the trophy. Thank you for letting us enjoy this journey. Go for it!”
The royals wore customised Spain football shirts as they gathered on a small white sofa to watch the match unfold on a large television screen.
Their family celebration was modest compared with the scenes across Spain, where jubilant supporters poured into the streets of Madrid to mark the country’s place in the World Cup final.
The Spanish Royal Family jumped, applauded and celebrated as Spain secured a place in the World Cup final following a tense match against France
King Felipe VI, 58, shared hugs with Queen Letizia and daughters Princess Leonor, 20, and Infanta Sofía, 19, after Spain’s 2-0 victory
Felipe’s spirited show of support came only hours after members of the Spanish Royal Family sparked debate among football fans when they appeared in outfits likened to “French colours” before the France clash, while attending the Princess of Girona Foundation Awards in Barcelona.
The annual ceremony, which seeks to celebrate the lives of talented young people across Spain, saw the Royal Family meet with those committed to public service and youth leadership.
However, several eagle-eyed onlookers couldn’t help but notice the colour scheme of the royal women’s outfits – as all three stepped out in outfits that appeared to directly match with the red, white and blue of the French flag.
While Queen Letizia opted for a dark blue suit, Princess Leonor looked stylish in a bold red look. Meanwhile, Infanta Sofia, who recently completed three years of military studies, stepped out in an elegant wraparound white suit.
Taking to X in response to their outfits, one royal fan wrote: ‘Letizia, Leonor and Sofia dressed in the colours of the French flag. I don’t know if that was the best choice today.’
The family was decked out in personalised shirts as they were filmed watching the game on a wide-screen TV, seated on a small white sofa
The Spanish family’s celebrations were a quiet affair compared to last night’s festivities in the country, as fans flooded Madrid’s streets to celebrate the World Cup final spot
Meanwhile, another added: ‘I think it’s been a bad coincidence. There’s no subliminal message. But for these things they have entire teams (among them, a stylist). It’s a blunder.’
‘Oops! Someone in the Spanish royal house didn’t remind them about the World Cup?? French flag colours for the Spanish royal women,’ quipped another.
However, several came to the Spanish royals’ defence and suggested that the lighting of the photograph may have made their outfits look more distinct than they necessarily were, while others noted that the match was ‘still several hours away’.
‘It’s because today is the anniversary of the French Revolution and the Bourbons are of French origin,’ suggested another.
During the game, Spain’s star player Lamine Yamal wore a headband with the number 08304.
It’s the postcode for the working-class suburb of the Catalonian district which he calls home.
He was standing there with his teammates hearing the anthems played, looking for all the world as if he had just wandered in from that neighbourhood.
But he set his nation on their way to the World Cup final on Tuesday night, winning the penalty to secure a lead from which they never looked back.
Spain dominated the midfield and choked off the supply line to France’s stellar forward line, which struggled to find a way past the Spanish defence.
It was a complete performance, and sent a strong message to England and Argentina that whoever reaches the final will have their work cut out.
