A close family member previously told PEOPLE that the Prince of Wales wants to give his kids “lots of love”
At the UEFA European Championship, Prince William and Prince George were visibly emotional.
On July 14, the royal father and son stepped out in Germany to see England’s final against Spain. Cameras captured a heartwarming moment between the 42-year-old Prince of Wales and his son, 10, as Prince William and Prince George rushed from their seats and hugged tightly after England scored the game-tying goal in the 73rd minute.
Though the victory was short-lived as Spain scored again to win the game 2-1, their hug demonstrated Prince William and Prince George’s bond.
Prince William is the President of the Football Association, England’s regulatory body for soccer, and he appears to have passed on his passion for the sport to Prince George—along with the same opinions! Prince George, as he has done in previous soccer games, mimicked many of his father’s actions during the major game. During the Euro final on July 14, the father and kid raised their hands to their faces and jumped with joy after England scored the only goal.
Prince William invited a special guest to the highly anticipated UEFA European Championship final: his son Prince George.
On July 14, the Prince of Wales, 42, attended at the Olympiastadion Berlin in Germany with his 10-year-old son for the tournament’s final game between England and Spain. William is the President of the Football Association, England’s governing organization for soccer, and an avid fan of the sport.
The father-son outing occurred just hours after Kate Middleton and daughter Princess Charlotte attended the Wimbledon men’s singles final in London. The Princess of Wales, 42, was expected to attend the tennis event, but 9-year-old Charlotte was a surprise guest. Kate’s younger sister, Pippa Middleton, 40, joined them. Kate made her second appearance of the year as she continues to get cancer treatment and privately focus on her health.
The stakes were high in Sunday’s soccer finals, as the UEFA European Championship is held every four years. England has never won the competition, whilst Spain has three times. In the end, England lost 2-1.
Before the match, William wrote 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 released a behind-the-scenes video of the father and kid entering 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’
This is Prince William’s third trip to Germany to watch Team England play since the games began on June 14. The Prince of Wales attended the UEFA EURO 2024 Group Stage soccer match between England and Denmark at Frankfurt Arena on June 20. He wore a red, white, and blue tie to support the Three Lions (the English national team) and spoke with Denmark’s King Frederik.
On July 6, the Prince of Wales showed his support for Team England again by attending the UEFA EURO quarterfinals match versus Switzerland at Düsseldorf Arena. King Charles’ son was pictured ecstatic in the grandstand after England’s stunning victory, which finished in a thrilling penalty shootout.
Though he was not seen at England’s semifinals against the Netherlands on July 10, William hinted that he was watching with an ecstatic comment on social media following the Three Lions’ last-minute victory.
Ollie Watkins scored the winning goal 2-1 over the Netherlands in the 90th minute, advancing 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 support 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 their triumph, noting the nerve-racking final minutes in an unexpectedly lighthearted message.
“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 brought Prince William joy while his wife, Kate Middleton, and his father, the King, are receiving cancer treatment.
“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.”
