The streets of London are set to be awash with jubilation today as the Lionesses celebrate their Euro 2025 triumph with a trophy parade culminating at Buckingham Palace. Following their nail-biting penalty shootout victory against Spain in Basel, Switzerland, the Lionesses have returned home as heroes, marking the first time an England team has defended a major tournament title.
The celebrations began yesterday, with the team greeted by cheering crowds upon their arrival at Southend Airport. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock hosted the team at Downing Street, setting the stage for today's main event.
The open-top bus parade is scheduled to begin at 12:10 PM BST, proceeding along The Mall. The route will culminate at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace, where a staged ceremony will take place from approximately 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM.
The ceremony promises to be a spectacle, featuring performances by the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Portsmouth and the Central Band of the Royal Air Force. Big screens will showcase highlights from the tournament, allowing fans to relive the Lionesses' journey to victory. The event will be hosted by former Lioness and football pundit Alex Scott. The triumphant team, led by manager Sarina Wiegman, will then take the stage for a special European Championship winners trophy lift presentation.
The Football Association (FA) has announced that the event is free to attend, but has cautioned that central London is expected to be extremely crowded. They advise attendees to plan their visits and travel arrangements carefully. For those unable to attend in person, the parade and ceremony will be broadcast live on Sky News from 10:00 AM, with additional coverage available on the BBC, ITV, and England's social media channels.
The Lionesses' victory has captured the hearts of the nation, with a peak live audience of 12.2 million viewers across BBC platforms during the final, making it the most-watched television moment of 2025 across all TV broadcasters. King Charles III conveyed the royal family's "warmest appreciation and admiration" to the team, encouraging them to pursue the World Cup in 2027. Prime Minister Keir Starmer lauded the team's achievement as "an inspiration for young people across the country," underscoring their determination, resilience, and unity.
Chloe Kelly, who scored the decisive penalty, expressed her pride in the team and her gratitude for the opportunity to represent England. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, whose saves proved crucial in the shootout, highlighted the team's unwavering spirit and ability to overcome adversity.
This victory follows the Lionesses' Euro 2022 win, further solidifying their legacy and inspiring a new generation of footballers. An impact study revealed a significant increase in football participation following Euro 2022, with over 2.3 million new players taking up the sport. The Lionesses' success has not only brought silverware but has also ignited a passion for the game, promising a bright future for women's football in England.
