Football fan, Prince George, has taken part in the traditional royal festive football match over Christmas for the first time, “replacing” his uncle, Prince Harry.
Prince William and his eldest son, Prince George, made a smashing duo during a pre-Christmas match, delighting onlookers with their first-ever joint appearance on the field.
The pair were part of a traditional friendly game between Sandringham estate workers and villagers, and the two were reportedly being cheered on from the sidelines by Princess Kate, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
An insider told The Sun that “it was interesting to see that Harry has now been substituted for Prince George”.
The source is reported to have claimed that the heir to the throne came close to netting a goal and young George was seen giving his all.
The source added: “There were other children playing and it was all good fun and light-hearted. It is nice that they have returned to take part in the traditional game as they haven’t done so for years. But it was interesting to see that Harry has now been substituted for Prince George.”
In previous years, estranged Prince Harry has joined William for the friendly match – but the last time the brothers took to the field is believed to be in 2016.
William, 42, a keen Aston Villa fan, has taken Prince George, 11, to Villa Park, and also to cheer on England at Wembley.
They were also pictured jumping with joy when Cole Palmer equalised for England in the 2-1 defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin in July 2024.
Back in 2020, William appeared on former England football player, Peter Crouch’s podcast, where he discussed his and George’s football fandom.
William, who was once President of the FA and is now a patron, told the former Liverpool and Tottenham striker that George was free to support whatever team he liked despite his strong-rooted Villa ties.
He previously stated: “I’m trying not to persuade him to be a Villa fan, I’m letting him choose his own way. It’s about finding what fits for him.”
It comes as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were not invited to Sandringham, Norfolk, this Christmas, and instead celebrated with their two two children and Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, in America.