Prince George to play in royals’ traditional football match for the first time with dad William

FOOTBALL-mad Prince George lined up with his dad William to play in a ­traditional festive match for the first time.

Father and son were cheered on from the sidelines by the Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at a pre-Christmas kick-about.

They played on the same team in the annual match between the Sandringham estate workers and neighbouring villagers.

Wills, 42, is a keen Aston Villa fan and has taken George, 11, to Villa Park and also to cheer on England at Wembley.

They were also pictured jumping with joy when Cole Palmer equalised for England in the 2-1 defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin in July.

In previous years, Prince Harry has joined William for the friendly match — but the last time the brothers took to the field is believed to be in 2016.

Wills and George were in the team wearing blue, with Wills having number 18 on his shirt, spectators said.

The Prince of Wales almost scored a goal as George was hailed by onlookers for energetically running around the pitch.

An insider 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.”

Wills and George were watched from the sidelines by the Princess of Wales, 42, who was wearing a dark purple polo neck, long light purple waistcoat, beige trousers and a green peaked cap.

She had her long brown hair tied back in a plait and was holding a pair of black leather gloves.

Prince Louis, six, and Princess Charlotte, nine, were also there to cheer on their dad and brother and stood alongside their mum.

Louis, dressed in navy blue shorts, a light blue top and navy blue trainers, was even spotted taking part in a kickabout with mum Kate.

On the That Peter Crouch Podcast in 2020, Wills — once President of the FA and now its Patron — insisted George is free to support whichever team he likes.

He said: “I’m trying not to persuade him to be a Villa fan, I’m letting him choose his own way. It’s about finding what fits for him.”

But Wills revealed he had “concerns” about George leaning towards Chelsea when he was younger.

Chelsea take on Fulham at home in the Premier League today, while Villa are away at Newcastle United.