Princess Anne reacts to England’s semifinal defeat in FIFA World Cup

The Princess Royal on Thursday addressed  England's defeat at the hands of Argentina in the semifinals of 2026 FIFA World Cup during her visit to Thailand.

She mentioned England's world cup exit at a youth sporting initiative in Bangkok organised by Save the Children and Liverpool Football Club Foundation.

Princess Anne met former England striker Emile Heskey at the Play for Change event, where she spoke candidly about the previous night's disappointment.

"I know the value of football, and I know the value of sport in so many different ways. It's not just about competition," she told attendees.

Anne highlighted how sport builds "confidence and teamwork and talent, and the confidence to have that talent and to deal with success and failure."

She acknowledged those present from Liverpool's foundation were "having to deal with failure this morning," adding an apology for their lack of sleep.

Princess Anne, the only sister of King Charles III, is on a visit to Asia along with her husband Sir Tim Laurence.

She arrived in Thailand after concluding her visit to South Korea.