Prince William and Prince George Share Candid Hug in the Stands at Euro Final in Germany
A close family friend previously told PEOPLE that the Prince of Wales wants to give his kids “lots of love”
Prince William and Prince George let their emotions show at the UEFA European Championship.
The royal father and son stepped out in Germany on July 14 for the final between England and Spain. There, cameras caught a sweet moment between the Prince of Wales, 42, and his son, 10, as Prince William and Prince George leaped from their seats and shared a tight hug after England scored a game-tying goal in the 73rd minute of play.
Though the triumph was short-lived when Spain scored once more to win the game 2-1, their hug showed Prince William and Prince George’s bond.
Prince William is the President of the Football Association, the governing body of soccer in England, and he seems to have passed down the passion for the sport to Prince George — along with the same takes! Just like he has at past soccer matches, Prince George mirrored many of his father’s behaviors at the big game. The father and son both raised their hands to their faces during the Euro final on July 14 and jumped with joy when England scored its only goal.
Prince William brought a special guest to the highly anticipated UEFA European Championship final: his son Prince George!
On July 14, the Prince of Wales, 42, appeared at the Olympiastadion Berlin in Germany alongside his 10-year-old son for the last game of the tournament between England and Spain. William is the President of the Football Association, the governing body of soccer in England, and a loyal follower of the sport.
The father-son outing came just hours after Kate Middleton and daughter Princess Charlotte stepped out for the men’s singles final at Wimbledon in London. While the Princess of Wales, 42, had been expected to attend the tennis event, 9-year-old Charlotte was a surprise attendee. The duo were also accompanied by Kate’s younger sister, Pippa Middleton, 40. The outing marked Kate’s second appearance of the year as she continues to receive cancer treatment and privately focus on her recovery.
The stakes were high at Sunday’s soccer finals, as the UEFA European Championship is held every four years. England has never won the tournament, which Spain has three times. In the end, England lost 2-1.
Ahead of the match, William shared on X: “We are so proud of you all @england, just one last push to finish the job! Go out there and show the world what you’re made of. We believe. W.”
William also shared behind-the-scenes video of the father and son walking into the stadium.
Following England’s loss, William took to X to share his thoughts with the team: “This time it just wasn’t meant to be. We’re all still so proud of you. Onwards @England. W.” he wrote.
King Charles also released a statement to the team and their manager, Gareth Southgate: ‘Although victory may have eluded you this evening, nevertheless my wife and I join all my family in urging you and your support team to hold your heads high. All those who have participated in sporting activities at any level will know how utterly despairing such a result can feel when the prize was so near – and will join me in sending heartfelt sympathy, even as we congratulate Spain. But please know that your success in reaching the European Championship final is a really great achievement in itself, and one that brings with it the pride of a nation which will continue to roar for the Three Lions today – and in the many triumphs which I have no doubt lie ahead. Charles R’
Prince William’s latest trip marks the third time he has traveled to Germany to see Team England play since the games began on June 14. The Prince of Wales stepped out to catch the UEFA EURO 2024 Group Stage soccer match between England and Denmark at Frankfurt Arena on June 20. He showed his support for the Three Lions (as the English national team is known) with a red, white and blue tie, and had a chat with King Frederik of Denmark.
The Prince of Wales showed support for Team England once more when he attended the UEFA EURO quarterfinals match against Switzerland at Düsseldorf Arena on July 6. King Charles’ son was seen going wild in the stands while celebrating England’s dramatic victory, which ended in a thrilling penalty shootout.
Though he wasn’t spotted at the semifinals between England and the Netherlands on July 10, William hinted that he was following along with an exuberant message on social media following the Three Lions’ last-minute win.
During the 90th minute of the game, Ollie Watkins scored the winning goal, 2-1, over the Netherlands, pushing the Three Lions to the finals against Spain on Sunday, July 14. Watkins also plays for England Premier League club Aston Villa, which Prince William is known to root for with his eldest son, Prince George, 10.
“What a beauty, Ollie! Congratulations England! #EUROn2024 Finalists 🎉 . W,” the Prince of Wales wrote on X, signing with his first initial to express that the sentiment came directly from him.
King Charles also congratulated England on the victory, referencing the anxiety-inducing final minutes in a surprisingly playful statement.
“My wife and I join all our family in wishing you the warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the U.E.F.A. European Championship – and in sending our very best wishes for Sunday’s match,” the sovereign said.
“If I may encourage you to secure victory before the need for any last minute wonder-goals or another penalties drama, I am sure the stresses on the nation’s collective heart rate and blood pressure would be greatly alleviated! Good luck, England. Charles R”
Soccer has been a source of joy for Prince William as both his wife, Kate Middleton, and his father the King are undergoing treatment for cancer.
“He has been hugely buoyed by the results of Aston Villa,” a close source previously told PEOPLE. “You shouldn’t overlook the importance of soccer in these moments.”
Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
