Good times never seemed so good: Band of the Welsh Guards blasts out Sweet Caroline to cheer on England's Lionesses
Good times never seemed so good as the Band of the Welsh Guards helped cheer on England's Lionesses with a rousing rendition of Sweet Caroline ahead of the women's national team's kick off against old rivals Australia – before the team went on to score a historic win and reach their maiden World Cup final.
The military musicians performed Neil Diamond's classic hit, which has become an unofficial celebratory anthem for England fans in recent tournaments with lyrics about good times, at Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace, shortly before the Lionesses kicked off their crucial semi-final against the Matildas at 11am on Wednesday.
The Lionesses went on to secure a historic 3-1 win in Sydney, and later broke out their own dancing to the song as they celebrated their victory.
The instrumental version of Neil Diamond's iconic song has been adopted by England fans as an anthem for the national side.
And it was sung with gusto by the vastly outnumbered Lionesses' supporters inside the stadium in Sydney as Sarina Wiegman's team beat Australia 3-1.
The result secured England's first World Cup Final since the men's team defeated West Germany at Wembley in 1966.
However, to ensure no hard feelings with our football foes down under, the Band of the Welsh Guards, conducted by Major Lauren Petritz-Watts, also played Australia's anthemic 'Waltzing Matilda'.
The King and the Prince of Wales later led congratulatory messages for the Lionesses following their victory.
Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo gave them the lead over the Matildas after a superb display from the national team.
In a message on X, formerly Twitter, after the final score, Charles said the two nations were "united in pride, admiration and respect".
His words, posted by the Royal Family account, read: "My wife and I join all our family in sending the mighty Lionesses the warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the World Cup, and in sharing our very best wishes for Sunday's match.
"While your victory may have cost the magnificent Matildas their chance for the greatest prize in the game, both teams have been an inspiration on and off the pitch – and for that, both nations are united in pride, admiration and respect."
William sent his congratulations to the England team after the game in a personally signed post, saying: "What a phenomenal performance from the Lionesses – on to the final!
"Commiserations to the Matildas, you've played brilliantly and been fantastic co-hosts of this World Cup."
The Band of the Welsh Guards formed in 1915, the same year as the regiment, during the First World War.
It is a symphonic wind band and the youngest of the Bands of the Household Division.
Musicians in the band, which is based at Wellington Barracks in St James's, London, are regular soldiers in the British Army, carrying out roles such as medics and drivers.
The British Army later gave more support for the women's national team on the next step of their road to glory, saying: "We wish the Lionesses the very best for Sunday's World Cup final against Spain. Let's hope the 'Good times never seemed so good' carry on!"
Join Our Newsletter
