The Duke of Sussex was not the only high-profile England supporter absorbing the result in public. David Beckham attended the match in Atlanta, Georgia, and was seen wiping away tears during the evening. His 21-year-old son, Cruz Beckham, later comforted him with a hug.
That is the sort of family moment football produces when it is being deeply unreasonable, which is often.
Prince William said England should be proud
Prince William also reacted publicly after the loss, posting on X that he was “gutted” by the result.
“England, you gave it everything and we are all so proud of you,” William wrote. “Thank you to everyone on and off the pitch, for an incredible tournament. The fight and belief you have shown has inspired us all.”
He added: “The most complete England team in a tournament. Hold your heads high.”
William’s message captured the mood around England’s run: disappointment with the result, but not with the performance or effort. In tournament football, that distinction matters, even if it is not much comfort the morning after.
The loss also showed how thin the margins are at this stage of a World Cup. A 2-1 comeback does not erase a strong run, but it does decide who travels to the final and who is left talking about positives. Sport is efficient like that.
Harry’s public appearance followed a tense UK trip
Harry’s appearance in New York came shortly after a return visit to the United Kingdom, a trip marked by both a family reunion and renewed tension over security arrangements.
According to the original report, Harry claimed an invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace was “withdrawn at the last moment.” The visit still included Meghan and their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, traveling to the UK.
During the trip, the family reunited with King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Buckingham Palace confirmed on July 10 that the meeting took place at Highgrove House, the king’s private country residence in Gloucestershire, England.
The meeting was significant because it marked the first time in four years that Charles, 77, had seen Archie and Lilibet.
Security concerns reportedly cut the visit short
Despite the reunion, the visit reportedly became strained because of security issues. Royals reporter Russell Myers told People that the family trip “turned into a nightmare,” with those concerns forcing Meghan, 44, and the children to return to California earlier than planned.
Another source told the outlet that the former “Suits” actress “is very supportive” of Harry, but added that “there’s a lot of sadness” over how the trip unfolded.
The visit also appears not to have changed the state of Harry’s relationship with Prince William. People reported that William, 44, and Harry still have “no contact,” despite Harry’s recent time with their father.
An insider described the brothers’ relationship as “so broken.”
So Harry’s brief comment on England’s loss came with plenty going on around him: a bruising football result, a public gala appearance, a recent royal reunion, and family tensions that remain unresolved. Even by royal standards, that is a dense fixture list.
