Buckingham Palace released a personal message from King Charles III on June 28, addressing the Scottish national football team following their elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026. The monarch’s statement offered a tone of empathy and encouragement as the squad concluded its historic tournament run.

In his message, the King expressed sincere commiserations to the players, the outgoing manager, and the support staff. He acknowledged the profound disappointment that accompanies such an early exit from the global competition. Charles specifically noted that the feeling of loss is shared with New Zealand, who also failed to advance past this stage of the championship.

Despite the loss, the King urged the team to hold their heads high and not let the defeat diminish their achievements. He emphasized that the players should return home with proud hearts, celebrating the joy they brought to countless fans by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in over a quarter of a century. He encouraged them to maintain their spirit and resilience in the face of this setback.

Furthermore, the monarch extended his best wishes to the remaining teams from the Commonwealth that are still competing in the tournament. He humorously acknowledged that traditional sporting rivalries might prevent the Scottish supporters from shifting their allegiance. However, he and Queen Camilla offered their full support to England, Australia, and Canada for the challenging matches that lie ahead.

This public expression of support follows recent reports that the King’s grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have been spending time in Europe with their parents. The young royals have reportedly been enjoying a holiday abroad, fueling speculation about the Sussex family’s potential future travel plans to the United Kingdom.

The King’s letter serves as a reminder of his role in uniting the nation through shared experiences, even in moments of athletic disappointment. His words aim to uplift the Scottish squad and their supporters while recognizing the collective effort required to reach the World Cup stage. The statement provides a diplomatic conclusion to Scotland’s competitive journey while maintaining a forward-looking perspective on the tournament.