The King has offered his “sincere commiserations” to Scotland after they were knocked out of this year’s World Cup.
The Scots won their opening match at the tournament but with two defeats and a minus-three goal difference it was not enough to secure a place in the last 32 of the competition.
Their departure from the tournament was confirmed on Saturday, with Croatia’s 2-1 win against Ghana.
In a statement posted on social media on Sunday, Charles paid tribute to the “joy” the Scottish team brought to the nation.
“To the players, outgoing manager and support staff of Scotland’s football team, I would like to offer you my sincere commiserations on exiting the World Cup,” the message read.
“While I know what a huge disappointment this will be – just as it is for New Zealand, who didn’t make it through this time and have my similar sympathies – I hope you may be able to return home with proud hearts for the joy you have given to so many in having qualified for the first time in over 25 years.
“I fear that traditional sporting rivalries mean it may be too much to hope that the devoted tartan army of yours will now cheer with full voice for the three other realms still in contention, but my wife and I nonetheless wish England, Australia and Canada the very best of luck for the battles ahead”.
The message, which is displayed over a blurred image of Scotland fans, ends with Charles’s signature above a saltire flag.
Tributes also came in for manager Steve Clarke, who resigned following the national team’s exit from the tournament.
Clarke led Scotland to three out of the last four major tournaments, and it was the national team’s first appearance in the World Cup finals since 1998.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “Steve Clarke led the Scotland Team to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years – that’s a huge achievement for which the Tartan Army, and indeed the whole nation, are incredibly grateful.
“I wish him all the best for the future.”
Writing on X, First Minister John Swinney paid tribute to Clarke for what he had achieved in the role.
“I am sorry to hear that Steve Clarke has stood down as Head Coach @ScotlandNT,” the message read.
“He has taken the team and the country on an exciting journey to reach the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and he has so much to be proud of.
“I wish him well for the future.”
The First Minister also reposted Clarke’s open letter to supporters, calling it “a fantastic, loving message to Scotland”.
The three-page letter, entitled Bye-Bye Scotland, finished with the words: “The most emotional part of this goodbye is for my players, without whom we wouldn’t have had any of the memories that we’ve accumulated from 2019 until now.
“They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honour to be called their gaffer.
“Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor.”
