Prince William and George’s sporting double act: How the royal father and son have bonded at the football, cricket and rugby

We know from his love of polo and attendance at Aston Villa matches that Prince William has always had a passion for sport.

But the Prince of Wales’ oldest son, Prince George, is clearly taking after him.

Last month, George joined William when he attended the FA Cup Final at Wembley in his role as president of the Football Association.

Wearing matching ties, the father-and-son duo shared sweet moments during the game and George even helped William hand out the medals to players from winning side Manchester United and runners up Manchester City. 

The match was just the latest example of William and George bonding over sport. 

They have also watched the cricket and rugby together. William played the latter sport – along with water polo – at university.   

Prince William awards Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag a winners medal alongside his son Prince George after his side’s triumph over Manchester City

Prince William speaks to his son Prince George during the FA Cup Final last month 

Aston Villa 

Known for being an avid Aston Villa fan, William attended a game with George in April.

It was his first public appearance since Catherine’s cancer diagnosis announcement.

George, who was wearing a Villa scarf, clapped and cheered Unai Emery’s side alongside his father as they beat Lille 2-1 in the Europa Conference League. 

They were joined in the Villa Park stands by club centre half Tyrone Mings, among others.   

Known for being an avid Aston Villa fan, William attended a game with George in April. It was his first public appearance since Catherine’s cancer diagnosis announcement 

They stood in the Villa Park stands alongside Villa centre half Tyrone Mings (right), among others 

George, who was wearing a Villa scarf, clapped and cheered Unai Emery’s side alongside his father as they beat Lille 2-1 in the Europa Conference League 

A trip abroad to watch the rugby 

Last year, George and William went to France to watch Wales take on Argentina in the Rugby World Cub.

The father and son were treated to seats in the Stade de Marseille’s presidential box. Both were smartly dressed in suit and tie. 

William was there in his role as patron of Welsh Rugby Union. 

George, who will one day be the Prince of Wales, was the first to shake the hand of World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont. 

It also looked like his father pointed out other illustrious sporting figures and imparted some wisdom as they stood together.  

Last year, George and William went to France to watch Wales take on Argentina in the Rugby World Cub. The father and son were treated to seats in the Stade de Marseille’s presidential box. Both were smartly dressed in suit and tie

Prince George and Prince William enjoyed the game from the presidential box wearing matching suits and red ties

World Rugby chairman and former England captain Sir Bill Beaumont (left) welcomes Prince George 

Cricket at Lord’s

Last July, George showed that he also shares his father’s interest in cricket when he joined him to watch England take on Australia in the Ashes at Lord’s.  

The pair both wore relaxed blue blazers and light-coloured shirts.

William was seen chatting to his son and pointing out various aspects of the spectacle.

George even found the time to tuck into pizza while his father socialised with other guests in their box, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. 

Last July, George showed that he also shares his father’s interest in cricket when he joined him to watch England take on Australia in the Ashes at Lord’s 

Prince George tucked into pizza while his father chatted to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in their box 

Enjoying a day together at Lord’s, the pair both wore relaxed blue blazers and light-coloured shirts

Aston Villa – again!

William and George also attended an Aston Villa game together in April last year – this time watching them take on Nottingham Forest. 

Showing how they are father and son, the pair clapped at the same time and during one tense moment both held their heads.

The duo were wearing similar outfits too – pale blue shirts and navy jumpers. 

George was even seen excitedly high-fiving people around him, including Villa’s chief executive Christian Purslow, after Villa scored a goal three minutes into the second half.

The side ultimately triumphed 2-0. 

William and George also attended an Aston Villa game together in April last year – this time watching them take on Nottingham Forest 

Showing how they are father and son, the pair clapped at the same time and during one tense moment both held their heads 

George was even pictured excitedly high-fiving people around him after Villa scored a goal three minutes into the second half

Rugby – with the Princess of Wales too!

In February 2022, Catherine joined her husband and son to watch England take on Wales at Twickenham.  

George sat between his parents, who were in direct competition in their respective roles.

The Princess of Wales is patron of the Rugby Football Union and William has the same honour for the Welsh Rugby Union.

Catherine wore an England rugby scarf and William was seen clutching a Wales scarf, while George remained seemingly neutral.

The trio were pictured happily chatting together during the Guinness Six Nations match, which ended in a win for England.

In February 2022, Catherine joined her husband and son to watch England take on Wales at Twickenham 

George sat between his parents who were in direct competition in their respective roles. The Princess of Wales is patron of the Rugby Football Union and William has the same honour for the Welsh Rugby Union 

The trio were pictured happily chatting together during the Guinness Six Nations match, which ended with a win for England

A keen sportsman – William pictured playing in a rugby sevens tournament at St Andrews in 2005

Euro 2020

Not every sports match they attend ends with a win for the team they are supporting, however.

At Euro 2020, George had to be comforted by his father after England lost the final to Italy at Wembley. 

The seven-year-old prince’s face was a look of pure joy as he gazed up at his father Prince William during the Euro 2020 final at Wembley in July 2021

Prince George was pictured grinning in delight and then hugging his mother after England scored an early goal

Earlier in the match, George had grinned with delight and hugged his mother after England scored an early goal.

He cheered on Gareth Southgate’s team enthusiastically and so was devastated when they lost on penalties.  

William was seen putting his hands reassuringly on George’s shoulders as he looked close to tears. 

As the game progressed and England lost to Italy in penalties, William was seen putting his hands reassuringly on George’s shoulders

The prince also played water polo for the Scottish national universities squad, pictured here in 2004