The Queen sends heartfelt congratulation message to the Lionesses, calling them ‘inspiration for future generations’

Tonight saw a historic moment for women in football and the Queen was the first to congratulation the Lionesses on their big win.

• The Queen has expressed her congratulations to the Lionesses after a historic win at Wembley.
• Her Majesty said of their victory, "your success goes far beyond the trophy you have so deservedly earned".
• In other royal news, the history of the Queen’s Edinburgh wedding bracelet, and the significant reason only one other person has worn it.

Football fans across the country rejoiced after the Lionesses defeated Germany 2-1 after extra-time in the final at Wembley, with footballer Chloe Kelly scoring the winning goal in a historic moment for women's football.

Prince William and Charlotte had previously wished the Lionesses luck with a heartfelt video and, after the win, the Queen herself expressed her admiration of the team's success. 

In a message shared on the Royal Family Twitter account, the Queen said, “My warmest congratulations, and those of my family, go to you all on winning the European Women’s Football Championships.

“It is a significant achievement for the entire team, including your support staff. The Championships and your performance in them have rightly won praise. However, your success goes far beyond the trophy you have so deservedly earned.

“You have all set an example that will be an inspiration for girls and women today, and for future generations. It is my hope that you will be as proud of the impact you have had on your sport as you are of the result today.”

Prince William also took to Twitter to congratulate the team, writing, “An incredible win @lionesses and the whole nation couldn’t be prouder of you all. Wonderful to see history in the making tonight at Wembley, congratulations! W.”

It's an incredible moment for women in football, with the team proudly tweeting, "WE HAVE DONE IT!" after the big win, to which William replied, "Yes you have and you’ve inspired a nation too."

Ian Wright, commentator for the BBC, believes this triumph was well deserved, saying, “I can’t even put into words the amount of work that’s gone into this and they’re getting what they deserve."

“I can’t believe it. I’m so proud – I’m still a bit shocked by it. This generation of ladies have had to fight and scrap and do everything – that’s why everyone is in tears because this is the culmination of a lot of hard work, a lot of suffering.”

Congratulations to the Lionesses!