The King led nationwide celebrations on Sunday evening after England’s Lionesses secured a dramatic victory in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final, triumphing in a nail-biting penalty shootout.
Chloe Kelly scored the winning spot-kick against Spain following two crucial saves by goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, sealing the win and sparking jubilant scenes across the country.
Fan zones erupted as supporters stood on tables, waved flags, threw drinks in the air, and excitedly hugged each other as England claimed victory.
King Charles said the team had the royal family’s "warmest appreciation and admiration" following their win, adding: "The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can."
In a statement posted on X, the King said: "This brings you, your manager and all your support team my most heartfelt congratulations on winning the Euros 2025.
"For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant 'football's coming home'.
"As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true.
"For this, you have my whole family's warmest appreciation and admiration."
The King added: "More than that, though, you have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms.
"Well done, Lionesses."
The victory marks the Lionesses’ second consecutive UEFA Women’s Euro title, following their historic triumph over Germany in the 2022 final.
England were determined to avenge their 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2023 World Cup final, while Spain were chasing their first-ever European crown.
After a tense 1-1 draw in extra time, the final was decided by a dramatic penalty shootout, where England held their nerve to win 3-1 and retain their title.
Prince William and Princess Charlotte cheered on from the sidelines in Basel, Switzerland.
Following the match, they said: “What a game! Lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn’t be prouder of the whole team. Enjoy this moment.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer congratulated the Lionesses on retaining their Euros title and said they had made the nation proud.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said: "Champions!
"Congratulations Lionesses - what a team. What a game. What drama.
"You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud.
"History makers."
England will celebrate their Euros win with fans at an event in central London on Tuesday.
There will be an open-top bus procession along The Mall, which will start at 12.10pm, before a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace.
Fans can attend for free but it will be broadcast live on BBC, ITV, and Sky.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: "The victory celebration in London on Tuesday will give England fans an opportunity to celebrate with the players, and be part of history.
"We've had amazing support from our fans both in Switzerland and at home throughout the tournament, and we look forward to celebrating together and creating some lifelong memories."
Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said: "The Lionesses' incredible win has done our country proud. Now, we have the chance to cheer these heroes home at their homecoming parade."
Alessia Russo gave the Lionesses hope of retaining their Euros title with her second half equaliser after Mariona Caldentey netted the opener for Spain in the 25th minute.
Fans at Boxpark Croydon erupted in celebration as Chloe Kelly scored her penalty in the shootout to beat Spain and make the Lionesses Euros champions again.
People danced on benches, waved England flags and threw drinks into the air after the ball hit the net.
As the presentation ceremony took place, the Prince of Wales was among those to congratulate star striker Michelle Agyemang on being named young player of the tournament.
William exchanged words with Agyemang, appearing to say "well played, fantastic, well done".
Agyemang, 19, who had one England cap before the tournament, scored crucial equalisers in the Lionesses' quarter-final and semi-final comebacks.
There was non-stop applause in her home town of South Ockendon as fans saw the Arsenal forward step through a guard of honour to pick up her award.
Supporters at her old club Brandon Groves AFC danced a conga line to the sounds of Vindaloo after England's victory.
England's path to the final was marked by late drama.
They sealed their spot with a last-gasp extra-time win over Italy, following a penalty shootout victory against Sweden in the quarter-finals after nearly crashing out in extra time.
