Guernsey Press

George and William see Wales crash out of Rugby World Cup in France

The 10-year-old royal travelled to the Stade de Marseille with his father on Saturday.

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Prince George travelled to France with the Prince of Wales to cheer on Wales in the rugby but saw the team’s dream of World Cup victory come to an end.

Ten-year-old George joined William at the Stade de Marseille for the quarter-final clash against Argentina on Saturday – the first time the youngster has watched an international sporting fixture in person overseas.

But George – a future Prince of Wales – and father, who is patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, witnessed Wales being knocked out of the tournament with a 29-17 defeat.

Wales v Argentina – Rugby World Cup 2023 – Quarter Final – Stade de Marseille
The Prince of Wales and Prince George (left) in the stands ahead of the Wales’ Rugby World Cup 2023 match in France (David Davies/PA)

“Commiserations @WelshRugbyUnion, sorry that it wasn’t to be this year but you can be very proud of all you have achieved and I know you’ll come back even stronger,” he said.

He offered his congratulations to the Argentinians, saying: “Congratulations @LosPumas – best of luck. W.”

Wales v Argentina – Rugby World Cup 2023 – Quarter Final – Stade de Marseille
William reacts at she watches Wales battle Argentina in the Rugby World Cup (Mike Egerton/PA)

The pair were greeted by World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont, France 2023 deputy chief executive Martine Nemecek and Welsh Rugby Union president Gerald Davies.

George was the first to be welcomed by Sir Bill, stepping forward to shake the former England rugby player’s hand and say hello.

Wales v Argentina – Rugby World Cup 2023 – Quarter Final – Stade de Marseille
George smiles as he prepares to watch Wales v Argentina (Mike Egerton/PA)

Introducing his son to Davies, William remarked: “Gerald wore the jersey for Wales and was one of the best players ever. Bill played for England.”

Pointing to Davies and then to Sir Bill, William joked: “He was very fast and he was quite sluggish.”

George and William were sat in the Presidential Box to watch the game.

In February last year, George stood between his parents as they watched England versus Wales in the Six Nations, but he was undecided on who to support.

Quizzed at Twickenham on who he would pick, the young prince shrugged his shoulders and smiled at William, who laughed and said: “It’s become quite the thing in the house,” pointing at Kate, adding: “She is quite into it. I’m trying to stay out of it.”

Wales v Argentina – Rugby World Cup 2023 – Quarter Final – Stade de Marseille
William chats with Sir Bill Beaumont in the stands ahead of the match (David Davies/PA)

William, who is also patron of the Football Association, was criticised in May for deciding not to attend the historic Women’s World Cup final when England battled Spain in Sydney.

Kate is due to watch England’s quarter-final match against Fiji at the same venue in Marseille on Sunday.

Wales v Argentina – Rugby World Cup 2023 – Quarter Final – Stade de Marseille
Wales’ George North is tackled during the Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter final match at Stade de Marseille (David Davies/PA)
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