Prince George made his debut in a beloved royal tradition, joining his father, Prince William, for the annual pre-Christmas football match on the Sandringham estate. The festive event, a cherished tradition for estate workers and villagers, marked the first time the father-son duo played together on the pitch, creating a memorable moment for the young royal.
Cheering them on from the sidelines were the Princess of Wales, along with Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6. Louis enthusiastically joined in on the fun during breaks, kicking a ball around with Kate, while Charlotte stood nearby, enjoying the family outing.
The match, a long-standing royal custom, has often featured Prince William, who is an avid Aston Villa fan and former Football Association president. In past years, he was joined by Prince Harry, but this year saw George, 11, stepping into the spotlight. Donning a blue shirt, George impressed onlookers with his enthusiasm and athleticism, showing glimpses of his father’s love for the game.
William, wearing the number 18 jersey, came close to scoring, showcasing his skill on the field. The match brought a renewed sense of excitement to the tradition, with spectators delighted to see George follow in his father’s footsteps.
Kate, dressed stylishly in a dark purple polo neck and light purple waistcoat, watched attentively from the sidelines, accompanied by her children. Her encouragement reflected the family’s close bond and shared joy during the festive occasion.
As George continues to embrace his own interests, William has expressed his commitment to allowing his son to forge his own path in football fandom, even humorously recounting George’s brief interest in Chelsea during his younger years.
This festive family outing highlighted the royal family’s enduring connection to football and underscored the growing role of Prince George as he steps into the spotlight, bringing fresh energy to royal traditions.
