ED! composite of Prince Harry and Prince George at royal events
Royals

Prince Harry ‘substituted for Prince George’ in royal football tradition at Christmas

George took part in a football match with Prince William

Prince Harry has been “substituted” for Prince George in a royal Christmas tradition involving football.

George, 11, reportedly took part in a pre-Christmas match with dad Prince William in Sandringham. Reports claim that the father and son played on the same team in the annual match between the Sandringham estate workers and neighbouring villagers.

It’s something that Prince Harry used to do with William, apparently. However, the last time they took to the field together was reportedly 2016.

Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince William on Christmas Day walkabout
Prince George enjoyed a pre-Christmas football match with William, reports claim (Credit: Cover Images)

Prince Harry ‘substituted’ for Prince George at pre-Christmas football match

The Sun claims that both William and George were in the team wearing blue. Both are big fans of football, with George attending some big matches with his dad over the last couple of years.

The Prince of Wales, 42, showcased his skills and apparently almost scored. The Princess of Wales cheered the pair on on the sidelines with Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.

But it was interesting to see that Harry has now been substituted for Prince George.

A source said: “It just looked like healthy father-and-son bonding time. 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.”

ED! has contacted reps for Kensington Palace.

Prince Harry smiling at ceremony for Invictus Games
Prince Harry has been “substituted” for George, a source claims (Credit: Cover Images)

Royal family out on Christmas Day walkabout

Elsewhere, George, Charlotte and Louis joined their parents on the royal family‘s annual Christmas Day church service and public walkabout.

After a service at St. Mary Magdalene Church, the royals greeted fans who had gathered in Sandringham.

The children were gifted presents from the crowds, and shared some sweet moments with each other.

One in particular saw Prince George help Charlotte shake hands with a man in the crowd. The man had reached out to shake hands with each of the children. However, little Charlotte had her hands full with gifts so was unable to shake his hand.

Prince William, Kate and their three children leaving church on Christmas Day
The Prince and Princess of Wales stepped out with their kids on Christmas Day (Credit: Cover Images)

She was seen reaching out to get dad William’s attention to help her, but he was busy talking to another part of the crowd.

That’s when brother Prince George stepped in, helping her by taking the gift off her so she could shake hands with the man.

Read more: Why Queen Camilla’s children didn’t join royals for Christmas Day walkabout

One fan said on X: “What a nice move there #PrinceGeorge. 

“He saw the man waiting to shake hand with Princess Charlotte but she have things in her hand she’s nudging her dad but he’s busy so BIG BROTHER to the rescue!”

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Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)