By Edward Trotter-
The Duke of Cambridge has made no plans to attend the football World Cup in Russia . The decision is linked to the double agent poisoning, a royal source has said.
The UK’s stance on the 2018 world cup has been geared towards a boycott of the sporting event since 66 year old former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his 33-year-old daughter Yulia were targeted by a nerve agent.
William is president of the FA English football’s governing body and would normally be expected to be involved with the British national team during the World Cup. This role would usually have been thought to accompany his Royal duties, and any decision to boycott the world cup will send a big statement to Russia about Britain’s position in relation to the poisoning.
However, the source of the revelation said the plans for William not to travel to Russia were made before the incident involving Mr Skripal and his daughter. Even so, many will believe the decision has some connection with a series of misconduct committed by Russia like the alleged cyber attacks during the U.S elections.
Prime minister Theresa May has said the British Government will consider whether ministers and other dignitaries should attend” the sporting event during Prime Minister’s Questions.
Her comments came after Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson told MPs it would be “very difficult to imagine that UK representation” at the World Cup could “go ahead in the normal way” this summer. The Russian embassy has said it was “completely untrue” to suggest the country’s special services were involved.
ROLE
The duke did played a role in England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup, joining a delegation in Switzerland in 2010 which included David Cameron and David Beck. Prince Harry also attended an England group game when the football tournament was hosted by South Africa.
Russia has strongly denied any involvement in the London poisoning of the Russian agent and his daughter, but their denial is not believed by those who know Russia to have many forces who execute deadly strikes like that one.