The identity of the young girl who captured plenty of hearts after breaking royal protocol during the Lionesses trophy presentation has been revealed. The girl stood next to Prince William as the England players collected their medals after beating Spain on penalties in the Euro 2025 final. She was visibly overjoyed as she greeted the team on their way to the podium to lift the trophy.
In her enthusiasm, the girl appeared to accidentally break royal protocol as she shook the hands of the players before William, who was standing ahead of her. She has since been lauded on social media with many viewers left touched by her joyous reactions. Now, it has been revealed the girl was attending the final as a special guest of UEFA.
She has been identified as Greta, who hails from Switzerland and is 12 years old. She has a genetic form of epilepsy, having been diagnosed with the condition when she was just a baby.
Greta was involved in the trophy presentation as a guest of the UEFA Foundation For Children, a charity which regularly invites young people with disabilities or special needs to take part in official ceremonies.
A statement from the governing body read: “Greta is a cheerful, open-minded, and determined young girl with a great passion for sport.
“Her enthusiasm, perseverance, and love of sport made her a fitting and inspiring choice to participate in the medal ceremony alongside UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin.”
Greta was spotted chatting to William during the ceremony, with the future King placing a hand on her shoulder as they smiled and exchanged words.
Fans watching the trophy presentation were left delighted with Greta’s enthusiasm, with @thereusableuser writing on X (formerly Twitter): “Sorry but this girl pulling everyone’s hand out of William’s is killing me.”
@caitsrightboot said: “She was obviously very happy and excited. Who wouldn’t be excited to shake hands with the whole Spain and England team?”
@AHowroyd added: “She looked so so happy to be there, it was brilliant to see her grabbing their hands,” while @MelDorado9 wrote: “She was the real royalty. Was super cute the big hug she got from Chloe Kelly.”
Prince William was also joined by his daughter, Princess Charlotte, to watch England win the Euros for the second time in a row.
After the trophy presentation, she was given a winners’ medal to keep and was seen clutching it with great enthusiasm.
Charlotte later signed off her first official message on the Kensington Royal account, congratulating the Lionesses on their historic victory.
The message read: “What a game! Lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn’t be prouder of the whole team. Enjoy this moment England. W & Charlotte.”
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