Football fans will gather in central London tomorrow for a triumphant procession celebrating England's Euro 2025 victory - but will not be given a day off.
The open-top bus parade commences at 12:10pm, travelling along The Mall before concluding at the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace.
A special ceremony begins at approximately 12:30pm, with broadcaster Alex Scott serving as host.
Musical accompaniment comes from the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Portsmouth and the Central Band of the Royal Air Force.
Large screens will display tournament highlights for spectators. The celebration reaches its peak when manager Sarina Wiegman and her squad appear on stage for the championship trophy presentation.
The Lionesses beat Spain on penalties to retain their European Championship title
|Reuters
Despite widespread public enthusiasm and direct appeals from opposition politicians, Downing Street has confirmed Monday will remain a regular working day.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey publicly challenged the Prime Minister on social media, writing: "Back-to-back champions! The Lionesses have done it again and made us proud. How about it, Keir Starmer? Time for that bank holiday?"
The government's decision disappointed many supporters who had hoped for an additional day off to mark the historic achievement.
A Number 10 spokesperson definitively ruled out the possibility when speaking to The Telegraph, ending speculation that had grown amongst commentators and the public following Sunday evening's dramatic penalty shootout triumph over Spain.
The King expressed profound pride in the team's achievement, stating that the squad had shown "there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory".
His message acknowledged decades of England supporters singing about football coming home, noting the Lionesses had made those words reality.
Prince William attended Sunday's final in Basel accompanied by Princess Charlotte.
Their joint 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" - marking the first occasion an official royal communication has been signed with Charlotte's name.
The Prince personally congratulated Michelle Agyemang after the 19-year-old received the tournament's young player award.
READ MORE: Spain captain blasts 'lucky' England after Euro 2025 defeat: 'We deserved to win!'
Prince William attended the final with Princess Charlotte
|Reuters
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the team as "history makers" on social media.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner declared the players "absolute champions" who are "inspiring the next generation of champions too", revealing she and Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock will host the squad at a Number 10 reception.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasised the government's commitment to lasting change, stating: "The Lionesses didn't just set out to win the tournament, they wanted to change society – and this government is rising to that challenge."
She highlighted plans to support school sports participation, invest in community facilities, and pursue a bid for the 2035 Women's World Cup.
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