George can’t contain emotions in rollercoaster Euros final – from excitedly hugging dad Wills to holding head in hands
PRINCE William and son George went from ecstasy to agony as the referee blew the final whistle at the Euros 2024 final.
Minutes earlier the Prince of Wales – President of the FA – and Prince George had erupted with joy as Southgate’s side equalized with Spain in the nail-biting clash.
The royal pair shot up as Cole Palmer fired a goal into the net, bringing the score to England 1 – 1 Spain.
Prince William and his “mini me” both sat back in their seats with their hands on their faces in the lead up.
In their adorable bonding moments, George, 10, was also snapped appearing to strategize with his father.
The young royal furrowed his brows and pointed towards the pitch amid the intense Euro 2024 final.
Meanwhile, Wills was spotted with an equally invested expression and open hands as he watched on the edge of his seat.
Gareth Southgate’s side had grown in confidence as the first half wore on and Jude Bellingham showed his quality to create an opening at the edge of the box.
Cole Palmer scored just seconds after coming on for England to make it level.
But then Real Sociedad winger Mikel Oyarzabal scored to put Spain ahead at 2-1.
Both Wills and George looked devastated as the referee blew the final whistle and Spain were crowned victorious.
The Prince took to X/formerly Twitter after goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal destroyed Gareth Southgate’s dream of ending 58 years of trophyless hurt.
The proud royal wrote: “This time it just wasn’t meant to be. We’re all still so proud of you. Onwards @England. W.”
King Charles also sent a message of support to Gareth Southgate, and the England team.
It read: “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”
It comes as England fans turned their backs on the pitch in misery as the nation fell flat – but heads were held high thanks to the incredible achievement of Southgate’s squad.
At least half of the 71,000-seat stadium was emblazoned with a sea of red and white banners as more than 30,000 English fans inside sang their hearts out for the lads.
The team will now regroup and refine their skills in the quest for soccer’s biggest prize at the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico in 2026
Williams attendance at tonight’s game made it a hat-trick of England matches he has attended.
He punched the air in delight when skipper Harry Kane scored in the group stage 1-1 draw with Denmark.
And he attended the quarter-final victory over Switzerland, cheering the team after the win on penalties.
He also congratulated them after their semi-final win over the Netherlands, praising Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins’ late winner.
Villa fan William wrote: “What a beauty, Ollie!”
Meanwhile, new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer sent a letter to Southgate and his men.
He wrote: “On behalf of the whole nation, I wanted to wish you all the very best ahead of tonight’s game.
“You should be proud of all you have achieved so far, even though I know you, like the rest of the country, will be hungry for more. We are all behind you on this journey.”
The PM, who is also at the match, refused to commit to an extra Bank Holiday if the Three Lions win because he does not want to “jinx anything”.
The biggest TV audience of the year will tune in for the match, which is being shown on both BBC and ITV.
It was a day of sport all round for the Wales’, with Princess Kate and Charlotte attending the Wimbledon women’s final today.