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William & George’s touching show at Euros final is more special than ever for key reason, royal expert reveals
Watch our exclusive interview with royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams
PRINCE William and George's emotional display at the Euro 2024 final is made more special due to one key reason, a royal expert says.
William, who is President of the FA, and his eldest had erupted with joy, leaping out of their seats and embracing as Cole Palmer equalised to bring the score to England 1 - 1 Spain.
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But the Royal pair also shared a moment of heartbreak and both held their heads as Gareth Southgate's side were ultimately defeated 2-1 by the other team.
In their shared bonding moments, George was also seen appearing to strategize with his father, furrowing his brow and pointing at the pitch amid the intense Euro 2024 final.
Wills was also seen with an equally invested expression and open hands as he watched on the edge of his seat.
But, tragically for England, a goal by Oyarzabal put Spain 2-1 up, and the Three Lions' rivals held on to their lead until the final whistle.
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Richard Fitzwilliams, who was in Berlin while the game was on, told The Sun: "If you look at the stills of Princes William and George, what you can see is highs and lows.
"There's one point they're burying their heads in their hands or seem to be.
"There's another point that that they're rejoicing, which obviously was Palmer's goal.
"And I mean, clearly this is significant because it also enables a lot of people to identify with how they're feeling."
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In just one week's time, George will be turning 11 - with only one year after that until a very crucial milestone is reached.
When the prince turns 12, he will be unable to fly together with William as part of a rule intended to protect the monarchy.
William arrives with George to cheer on Three Lions in Euros final after declaring ‘show the world what you’re made of’
The rule had also been in place when William turned 12, meaning he was no longer able to travel with his father, who was Prince of Wales at the time, or his younger brother Prince Harry.
Now with William as heir to the throne, and George next in line, the pair will not be able to fly together.
Mr Fitzwilliams told The Sun: "Well, firstly, I think it's only sensible to have the rule regarding Royals, you know, in particular numbers in planes.
"You know the fact that that's been the rule, I think there's a good reason for it."
Mr Fitzwilliams added that there appears to be less formality these days from the Royal Family in public, though there will always be an element of it.
He said: "There's always going to be a certain formality when it comes to the Royal Family.
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"Having said that, they used to be terribly formal, and now they are less formal.
"But also, every movement is captured every they know that.
"I think they're allowed to be more natural."
He also said that William takes more after his mother Diana than he does King Charles in terms of his own parenting style.
Mr Fitzwilliams added: "Diana had a very different parenting approach from Prince Charles, and there's no question at all that just as society has loosened up, I suppose you'd find that reflected.
"But one of the things I thought was very interesting... what I've seen from the photograph,s because I've seen large numbers, of William and George is that they seem to be interacting in a very natural way."
Why do King Charles and Prince William never travel together?
Prince William became heir to the throne on the death of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
As heir, there is an unofficial rule that he should never fly on the same plane as his father, King Charles III.
It is presumed that the unofficial rule dates back years to when travel was thought to be much less safe than it is in modern times.
The rule is actually for the reason that if something should happen to the plane, this would put both the King and his heir at risk.
The same unofficial rule also applies to Prince William and Prince Harry travelling together even though Prince William's eldest child, Prince George, is second in line to the throne.
This is because if something were to happen to the Prince of Wales before his son turned 18, Prince Harry, would have to serve as King until George came of age.
England had grown in confidence as the first half wore on and Jude Bellingham took advantage of an opening at the edge of the box.
Cole Palmer scored just seconds after coming on for England to make it level.
But Real Sociedad winger Mikel Oyarzabal managed to put Spain ahead at 2-1.
Both William and George appeared devastated as the referee blew the final whistle and Spain were crowned the victors.
William took to X after Spain scuppered Gareth Southgate’s dream of ending 58 years of hurt.
Princes William, 42, and George, 10, were seen going through a range of intense emotions together during the game, which ended in tragedy for England and glory for rivals Spain.
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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 Southgate and the England squad.
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”
William's appearance at last night'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.
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And he was at 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.
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