The Prince of Wales took to Twitter to issue a heartfelt personal message following England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain this evening.
William, 42, joined his son Prince George, ten, to watch the Euros showdown at Olympiastadion in Berlin.
Posting from the official Kensington Palace account just seconds after the final whistle, he commiserated with the team after watching them closely miss out on victory.
William wrote: ‘This time it just wasn’t meant to be. We’re all still so proud of you. Onwards @England. W.’
After Spain scored earlier in the match, Prince George looked visibly disappointed as he took a seat next to his father.
But Cole Palmer‘s glorious goal reignited the royals‘ dream of a Euros win this evening.
The father-and-son looked visibly tense and holding their heads in their hands as Cole neared the goal.
The royal pair then jumped up out of their seats and shouted in celebration alongside Keir Starmer.
Following their celebration, Prince William turned to hug Prince George, who appeared overwhelmed with joy.
However, William and George’s relief was short-lived as Spain scored again just minutes later – thereby securing the Euros 2024 victory.
The father and son appeared visibly heartbroken as they stared out at the pitch with their heads in their hands.
Earlier in the match, royal fans gushed over how George has become his father’s ‘mini-me’ after Kensington Palace uploaded footage of the father-and-son arriving.
One wrote on X: ‘Prince George walks exactly like his father. Prince William’s mini-me!’
Another added: ‘Adorable. Prince George walks like his father.’
Just before the national anthem started playing, the royal father-and-son were also seen sitting in the stands – with Prince George straightening his tie moments before William did the same.
What’s more, William and George also posed for a photo with King Felipe and Princess Sofia, who were in Berlin to support the Spanish team.
During the opening minutes, PM Keir Starmer – who is an avid Arsenal fan – was pictured approaching the royal father and son for a chat.
William’s appearance at the final, at the Olympiastadion Berlin, comes days after he sent the Three Lions squad a supportive message.
William’s appearance at the final, at the Olympiastadion Berlin, comes days after he sent the Three Lions squad a supportive message.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) yesterday, in a personal message which he signed ‘W’, the royal said he was ‘so proud’ of England ahead of the final match.
Publicly showing his support for the squad, he said: ‘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’
The prince’s appearance at today’s final does not mark the first time he’s cheered on the team from the stands.
He’s shown his support throughout the tournament, appearing at several of the matches.
Among them, he was seen cheering on the Lions during their victory against Switzerland last week.
After the team was victorious, and secured a place in the last two, lifelong Aston Villa fan William, who is also president of the FA, tweeted: ‘What a beauty, Ollie! Congratulations England! #EURO2024 Finalists. W.’
Among his appearances at the Euros, Prince William was spotted during England’s group stage game against Denmark on June 20 which ended in a 1-1 draw after an early goal scored by captain Harry Kane.
The Prince was incredibly animated throughout the Euros clash last month, including when he launched out of his seat and cheered after the opener in the 18th minute.
But by the end of the game, William – like most of the nation – had his hands on his face after a far from convincing performance saw England pegged back to a 1-1 draw thanks to a wonder strike from Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand.
The royal previously described England’s 2-1 extra time win over Slovakia in the last 16 as an ’emotional rollercoaster’ but the Three Lions’ last two matches have arguably been even more tense with a last minute Ollie Watkins winner sending Gareth Southgate’s men through to the final against the Netherlands.
And he’s not the only Royal throwing their support behind the team as they prepare for the final match and hope to be crowned Euro 2024 winners.
King Charles and Queen Camilla congratulated the team for reaching the finals with a heartfelt statement.
His Majesty said: ‘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.
‘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.’