Prince William and Kate Middleton looked just like any other family as they ushered son Prince George out of Wembley Stadium in footage captured by an England fan and shared on social media.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, both 39, attended the final of the European Championships, which was won by Italy on penalties, with their eldest son on Sunday night.
In the short clip, seven-year-old George is seen with his hands aloft as he watched the disappointed England players on the pitch before being approached by mum Kate.
The Duchess then took her son’s right hand in both of hers before clasping his head and pulling him into her in a warm, comforting gesture.
Prince William and Kate Middleton looked just like any other family as they ushered son Prince George out of Wembley Stadium in footage captured by an England fan
Kate then leaned over George to speak to her husband, who placed an affectionate hand on her back before bending down to speak to their little boy – who looked just as disappointed as the rest of the nation with the result.
The Duchess then turned around to pick up her patriotic red handbag while William placed both hands on his son’s shoulders and guided him out of the stands.
The clip was shared to Instagram by Daniel Ingram, who admitted he was ‘so fortunate’ to be there for the match.
He captioned the video: ‘One of the best days you will ever have watching your team go toe to toe in a major final. Gutted to not get to see them win the shoot out but proud of them none the less.
‘Also got amazing seats behind the royal box and got to see the future Kings, Boris, Beckham, Figo, Kate Moss and many others.’
Kate turns around to pick up her patriotic red handbag while William places both hands on his son’s shoulders and guides him out of the stands
The clip was shared to Instagram by Daniel Ingram, who admitted he was ‘so fortunate’ to be there for the match
Following the game, William shared a heartfelt message to the players on Instagram, writing: ‘Heartbreaking. Congratulations @Azzurri on a great victory. @England, you’ve all come so far, but sadly this time it wasn’t our day. You can all hold your heads high, and be so proud of yourselves — I know there’s more to come. W.’
Dressed in a suit for the occasion, young Prince George is always on his best behaviour during his occasional public appearances, which inevitably have an air of formality about them.
Candid photos of the Cambridges embracing the emotional rollercoaster of the match on Sunday offered an intriguing glimpse of their warm family dynamic and tactile parenting style.
Georgina Durrant, author of 100 Ways Your Child Can Learn Through Play, told FEMAIL that the Cambridges came across as a family whose life is ‘full of love and affection’.
‘In my opinion, it’s clear that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are loving, caring parents whose children are at the very centre of their lives,’ she said.
Candid photos of the Cambridges embracing the emotional rollercoaster of the match on Sunday offered an intriguing glimpse of their warm family dynamic and tactile parenting style
Georgina Durrant, author of 100 Ways Your Child Can Learn Through Play, told FEMAIL that the Cambridges came across as a family whose life is ‘full of love and affection’.
‘This was reflected by them placing Prince George in the middle of the two of them during the game. A very loving gesture that no doubt will have made Prince George feel even more confident, loved and secure.
‘Throughout the England final last night we saw both parents being tactile with Prince George – providing cuddles when he needed them and reassuring hands on his shoulders – reflecting a family life full of love and affection, which are both incredibly important for a healthy childhood.
‘Bringing children up feeling secure in showing their emotions is incredibly important for mental health and wellbeing, as opposed to keeping emotions inside and putting on a brave face.
‘It was lovely to watch Prince George’s love for his parents when he was mirroring his dad clapping and cheering when England scored and when he rushed to his mum’s open arms for a cuddle.
‘When children mirror their parents’ actions it’s often because they have such love for them, think of them extremely highly and see them as their role model.’
‘When children mirror their parents’ actions it’s often because they have such love for them, think of them extremely highly and see them as their role model,’ Georgina said
Georgina added that William and Kate were also not afraid to show their own emotions during the game, with the Duchess putting her head in her hands at one point, which provides valuable life lessons for George.
‘Prince George was ecstatic when England scored and appeared exhausted and upset when they lost – no doubt reflecting the feelings of many other seven-year-old children across the country,’ she observed.
‘It’s wonderful to see Prince George being confident in showing his emotions, even publicly, and this is a testament to his parents who have brought him up to feel comfortable showing others when he is feeling upset.
‘Children learn a lot from how their parents respond to situations and when Prince George sees his parents feeling confident in showing their emotions, both sad and happy, he will continue to grow up feeling confident himself in showing his emotions.’
According to Georgia: ‘Children learn a lot from how their parents respond to situations and when Prince George sees his parents feeling confident in showing their emotions, both sad and happy, he will continue to grow up feeling confident himself in showing his emotions’
Prince William is seen explaining the ins and outs of the game to his captivated son during England’s clash against Italy last night
She added that she ‘particularly loved’ the way Prince William placed his hands on Prince George’s shoulders when he was feeling upset.
‘This will have helped to calm him,’ she explained. ‘Physically having the gentle weight of someone’s hands on your shoulders helps to ground you. It was also a wonderful gesture to show Prince George that it’s ok to feel upset and that his father was there for him.’
Child behaviour expert and child anger management specialist Elizabeth O’Shea added that the young prince was a credit to his parents.
‘George reflected the mood of many children – and adults! – watching the match. It was a late night, but he behaved so well. A real credit to his parents,’ she told FEMAIL.
Throughout the England final last night we saw both parents being tactile with Prince George – providing cuddles when he needed them and reassuring hands on his shoulders (left) – reflecting a family life full of love and affection
‘Both William and Kate were very tuned into George and his reactions. It was good to see them standing together at the end, with William comforting George by holding his shoulders.
‘I’m sure they were really proud of the performance of the England football players, for the effort they put in, just disappointed the final penalty kicks didn’t result in goals. However, as a family, they really know what it is to be under intense scrutiny and pressure!’
It’s previously been claimed that the Duke and Duchess are working hard to give their three children as ‘normal’ an upbringing as possible and ensure their eldest – who is third-in-line to the throne – receives no special treatment.