Prince George joined his parents at the rugby where the Duchess of Cambridge scored a victory over her husband with England’s win against Wales.
The duke and duchess were in direct competition at Twickenham Stadium for what was the first match Kate attended since becoming patron of the Rugby Football Union (RFU).
William, who has been patron of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) since 2016, and Kate are known for their rivalry during sporting engagements and the pair sported their own team scarves on Saturday.
George sat in between his mother and father at the game, and Kate was seen leaning down to talk to her smiley eight-year-old son, while both parents pointed things out to him.
William wore a navy suit and clutched a red Wales scarf while Kate sported a black and white checked coat over trousers, and held an England scarf with her bag.
George appeared to be maintaining a diplomatic stance, with his red and blue puffa-style jacket free from any England or Wales symbols.
Kate will be pleased with the final scoreline – 23-19 in England’s favour.
Prior to kick-off, the royals met Jeff Blackett, president of the RFU, and Gerald Davies, president of the WRU.
They also met representatives of the RFU’s community and grass roots game, volunteers and RFU council members including Joe Bedford and Commander Kirsty Marlor, who represents the Navy on the RFU Council.
“It’s a big game,” William said, keeping a protective arm on George’s shoulders as he encouraged the young prince to “shake hands”.
William said: “We’re excited. It’s just so good to be back, it’s been quite weird watching games, and football, without the fans.”
Asked whether George would be supporting his mother or father’s team today, the young prince shrugged his shoulders and smiled at William, who laughed: “It’s become quite the thing in the house,” pointing at his wife, adding: “She is quite into it, I’m trying to stay out of it.”
Kate then asked George to tell the group about how he has started playing rugby at his school: “He has all the kit,” she said.
George spoke about how he has just started learning how to tackle, before turning to his mother: “But I haven’t tackled you yet!”
Kate replied, laughing: “Yes you have!”
Speaking after their meeting, Commander Marlor said of George: “I get the impression he’s yet to choose a team. I asked him which position he plays but I don’t think he’s got one yet.
“It is such an honour to have them all here today supporting the teams and a fantastic surprise to see George. The duchess was talking about how interested she is in the community game, which is so great to hear.
The duchess, known for her love of sport, said earlier this month she was “very proud” to become the RFU’s figurehead, a role that used to belong to the Duke of Sussex.
Kate, 40, grew up watching England rugby games with the Middletons, and the family would plan their weekends around international matches.
At an England training session earlier this month, she laughed when player Ellis Genge asked her about the new rivalry with William and admitted it would “make things interesting”.
Kate said: “Ha, yes, what does that mean? We’re terribly competitive.
“The fact we’re now supporting two different teams is going to make things interesting.”
The duchess also told of her children’s enthusiasm for rugby, saying George plays the sport at school and three-year-old Louis likes to be in the “middle of everything”.
She is the first member of the royal family to officially receive one of the Sussexes’ past royal patronages, which they were stripped of post-Megxit.
