Why did Prince William get booed at the FA Cup as fans share messages of support, 'well done to Prince William for being so dignified'

Prince William got booed by football fans on Saturday, May 14, 2022, when he attended the FA Cup Final between Liverpool and Chelsea in his capacity as the President of the Football Association.  But why did Prince William get booed at the FA cup?

• Prince William is a football fan and the President of the Football Association.
• Despite his involvement in the sport, the Duke of Cambridge was booed by football fans when he arrived to watch the FA Cup Final.
• In other royal news, Lady Louise is 'pinnacle of grace' as she leads emotional tribute to Prince Philip at Queen's Platinum Jubilee event. 

It was reported that Prince William was booed by football fans on multiple occasions during the FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Liverpool. The booing began when the Prince was introduced during the pre-match coverage and it continued as the Duke of Cambridge shook hands with the players on both teams before the game began. But why did this happen?

Some reporters, including royal expert and author of Finding Freedom, Omid Scobie, speculated that this negative reception was due to the Hillsborough disaster that took place in Sheffield in 1989. 

"An unexpected moment at today's #FACupFinal, where Liverpool fans booed Prince William and National Anthem. My understanding (correct me if I'm wrong, Twitter) is that it's still felt there was an establishment cover-up over the Hillsborough disaster and getting justice for it," said Omid on Twitter.

However, the truth has been revealed by a sports journalist for the Liverpool Echo. Connor O'Neill explained why Liverpool fans boo the National Anthem and why this anger translates to the Royal Family:

"There are a multitude of reasons as to why Liverpool fans – and people from the city in general – choose not to associate themselves with the English national anthem. The origins of why the red half of Merseyside boo the national anthem can be traced back to the 1980s."

The journalist referenced the Hillsborough disaster, the conservative government under Thatcher, and the inequality that exists when comparing Liverpool's poverty crisis and the rest of the UK. 

He added, "The frosty relationship between city and country also translates to the English national team, with many Liverpudlians not supporting England during major tournaments like the Euros or the World Cup." As part of the establishment and a member of the Royal Family, Prince William's role as a future King is only a reminder of the extreme wealth of the Royal Family in comparison with some of the poorest parts of the UK. 

Despite the negative reception from fans, Prince William still took to social media to congratulate Liverpool on their triumphant win.

The Duke of Cambridge said on Twitter, "Congratulations @LFC on being crowned 2022 Men’s FA Cup champions!   Very well deserved after a long journey and commiserations to @ChelseaFC, you showed real fight for the full 120 minutes and more. W #FACupFinal"

Fans took to social media to congratulate the Duke for his response. "This is what you call class, despite Liverpool fans booing and yes I know it’s tradition, he rises above it and congratulates them," said one royal fan.

"Well done to Prince William for being so dignified amidst the disrespectful behaviour from Liverpool fans in the stadium, you are a true gentleman and class act!" said another

"Your Royal Highnesses, we didn’t boo you! Our beef is with the establishment of various governments who’ve wished for managed decline of our city. Please don’t take this personally to you," added another Liverpool supporter.