Prince William encapsulated the emotions of all of England as he watched the Three Lions come from behind and scrape to victory on penalties against Switzerland at the European Championships.
The Prince of Wales, as well as England supporters both on the ground in Dusseldorf and back home in Britain, was put through the mill as Gareth Southgate’s side appeared destined to go out with a whimper on Saturday evening.
However, William was jumping for joy after Bukayo Saka revived England’s European Championship hopes with a stunning late goal and again when Trent Alexander-Arnold sent the side through with an emphatic winning spot-kick.
England’s Euros journey will continue with a semi final against either the Netherlands or Turkey in Dortmund on Wednesday night.
Donning a navy suit and blue tie, the Prince, who is also the President of the FA, cheered on Southgate’s men in the company of fellow guests a the Dusseldorf Arena in western Germany.
Prince William joined the likes of UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, UEFA Deputy General Secretary Giorgio Marchetti and former Portugal ace Luis Figo in the stands for tonight’s quarter final.
His support began as the English contingent in the stadium rose for a rendition of God Save The King.
After enduring over an hour with few chances, the Prince was despairing as Swiss striker Breel Embolo tapped the less-fancied side in front with just 15 minutes to go.
But just as they did against in the previous round against Slovakia, England refused to stay down and levelled 10 minutes from time, through Bukayo Saka’s curling effort.
William was on his feet unable to contain himself as he punched the air vigerously ahead of extra time.
However, the additional 30 minutes were nervy as Switzerland came close to retaking the lead as Xherdan Shaqiri hit the woodwork from a corner.
England’s monarch was on the edge of his seat like every other football fan of his nation – apart from moments when he was on his feet to appeal decisions which went against the team.
Nerves were amplified further when the whistle blew for the end of extra time and the contest headed for penalties.
But England’s players were ice cool, as Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Ivan Toney converted from 12 yards after goalkeeper Jordan Pickford saved Manuel Akanji’s effort, allowing Alexander-Arnold to seal the tie.
The Liverpool star’s strike injected yet more jubilation into the crowd, with Prince William no exception.
However, the royal could not celebrate for long, as he rushed down pitchside to congratulate the England team on their success.
Long-time football fan William was previously seen at England’s fixture against Denmark last month, joined by Danish King Frederik X.
The Prince was quick to commend England on narrowly tight victory over Slovakia last week, acknowledging the ’emotional rollercoaster’ as Jude Bellingham brought the team level in the 95th minute to take the game to extra time.
‘Emotional rollercoaster! Let’s go England!’ Quarter finals here we come!’ the Prince wrote on Twitter/X, signing off with a W.
Having struggled to break down the Slovakian defence for the first hour and a half, Bellingham’s stunning overhead kick breathed new life into a tired team late on June 30, bringing the score level on 1-1.
Harry Kane scored soon after play resumed, and England saw out the 2-1 victory to face Switzerland in the quarter-finals tonight.
Prince William, who has been vocal in his support for the Three Lions throughout the tournament, joined supporters in the stands earlier in June as the team faced down Denmark in Frankfurt.
The Prince was incredibly animated throughout the Euros clash on June 20, including when he launched out of his seat and cheered after the opener in the 18th minute.
But by the end of the game, William – like most of the nation – had his hands on his face after a far from convincing performance saw England pegged back to a 1-1 draw thanks to a wonder strike from Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand.
England’s tepid display that day has been followed up by two more underwhelming matches, including a 0-0 draw in the final group game against Slovenia and a 2-1 win over Slovakia in the last 16.