Alert – A welcome embrace: As Prince William is pictured with his arm around Prince George’s shoulders, a reminder just how much he resembles his trailblazing mother, Princess Diana

Seeing William with a protective arm around George might seem unremarkable by the standards of today.

Why wouldn’t a father hold on to his son in a strange rugby changing room surrounded by giant athletes after they have just lost a rugby world cup quarter final to Argentina?

But this is the Royal Family we’re talking about, where outward gestures of warmth had not been notably encouraged down the years.

Until, that is, the arrival of William’s mother, Lady Diana Spencer.

‘I live for my sons. I would be lost without them,’ Diana once said. Not a sentiment associated with Queen Elizabeth II – let alone with her formidable grandmother, Queen Mary.

In November 1985, Diana had said: ‘Most importantly, [my role is] being a mother and a wife. That’s what I try to achieve; whether I do is another thing, but I do try.’

While others had prioritised duty, Diana made a point of being a – literally – hands-on parent. Today, is seems as though her son, The Prince of Wales, is following her example. 

George – a future Prince of Wales – had attended the Wales – Argentina game with his father, who is patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, while his mother watched the corresponding England.

He was dressed as a mini-me of William, with both wearing matching navy suits and red ties – the latter seemingly a patriotic nod to the Welsh side.

Afterwards, father and son duo met some of the Welsh rugby players to commiserate at their loss. 

Trooping the Colour has offered another series of echos down the years, with William’s body language often seeming reminiscent of his late mother’s.

Whether she was in the public eye or in private, Princess Diana was often pictured holding Prince Harry and Prince William were young.

And while William might not cuddle his children publicly as often as the late Princess of Wales did, he will never turn down the opportunity to comfort his children.

The love between Diana and her sons was obvious in photos, as seen in a snapshot of the late Princess of Wales and William during a polo match in May 1987.

The young royal is pictured holding tightly onto his mother’s hand as she holds her hand on his forehead. 

George, who is second in line to the throne, stayed close to his father who rested his hands on George’s shoulders during the traditional Easter Sunday Church service at St Georges Chapel in April of last year.

With the fast-paced nature of royal life, the support of their parents is essential.