Prince George filled in for his uncle Prince Harry during key Christmas tradition

In 2024, the Royal Family went all out with their Christmas celebrations, with a guest list of over 45 people attending the festivities—according to Prince William. The institution are known for having a blend of timeless tradition and public fascination, offering a peek into their festive rituals and family dynamics.

This year, however, saw an exciting generational shift as Prince George stepped into the spotlight. Indeed, he filled his uncle Prince Harry’s shoes in the family’s beloved football match.

Prince George takes over key royal tradition

The Royal Family’s Christmas football match at Sandringham Estate might not get the royal fanfare of the Christmas walk, but it’s just as cherished. Historically, the match sees Sandringham estate workers take on neighboring villagers in a lighthearted game of football, with Royal Family members often joining in. The tradition has its roots in camaraderie and fun, and it has long been a chance for the royals to show their down-to-earth side.

For years, Prince William and Prince Harry were the stars of the match. According to Town & Country, the two brothers often played on opposing teams, with William representing his beloved Aston Villa and Harry sporting Arsenal colors. However, with Harry now living in the U.S. with Meghan Markle and their children, his absence from the royal holiday lineup has been felt in recent years. His last appearance on the pitch is believed to have been back in 2016.

Enter Prince George. The football-loving 11-year-old made decided to join the Sandringham match this year, joining his father, Prince William, on the same team. As reported by The Sun, the duo donned blue jerseys, with William wearing the number 18. Onlookers described George as full of energy and enthusiasm, with one insider saying:

It just looked like healthy father-and-son bonding time.

He added:

It is nice that they have returned to take part in the traditional game as they haven’t done so for years.

But it was interesting to see that Harry has now been substituted for Prince George.

Princess Kate, along with George’s siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, cheered from the sidelines.

This marked a meaningful shift in royal traditions, as George symbolically filled the role his uncle Harry once held.

The Wales family steals the spotlight

If Prince George’s football skills weren't enough to win the public over, the Wales family’s appearance during the traditional Christmas Day walk sealed the deal. The walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church at Sandringham has become an iconic royal holiday tradition, offering fans a rare chance to see the family up close.

This year, King Charles and Queen Camilla led the procession, but it was Prince William, Princess Kate, and their three children who truly stole the spotlight. As noted by People, the family coordinated their outfits in shades of blue and green. Princess Kate stunned in a green Alexander McQueen coat, while George, Charlotte, and Louis looked equally dapper in their tailored ensembles.

The youngest royal, six-year-old Prince Louis, charmed the crowd as he held Kate’s hand and greeted well-wishers with his signature cheeky grin. Charlotte, now nine, stayed close to her father.

The Wales family’s walk wasn’t just a photo opportunity—it was a statement. After a challenging year that saw Princess Kate battle health issues and King Charles continue his cancer treatment, the family’s united front radiated resilience and optimism.

What awaits the Royal Family in 2025?

While this year’s holiday festivities have kept royal traditions alive, 2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year for the monarchy. According to The Independent, the Royal Family is preparing for a packed schedule, with overseas tours and historical commemorations taking center stage.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to resume their international travel schedule, with trips to Poland, India, and Pakistan reportedly in the works. One of the most poignant events will be a visit to Auschwitz in Poland to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi death camp. Charles is a patron of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.

Closer to home, the family will also commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, celebrating the end of World War II in Europe.

On a personal level, 2025 promises milestones for the Wales family. Princess Kate is expected to increase her public appearances, gradually resuming her royal duties after a year of recovery. Prince William hinted at potential overseas tours, saying:

I think hopefully Catherine will be doing a bit more next year, so we’ll have some more trips maybe lined up.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry is also expected to have a busy year which startswith legal battle against News Group Newspapersand his continued involvement in the Invictus Games. It remains to be seen if 2025 is the year he manages to the bend broken relationships with his family, but royal fans are surely eagerly looking forward to that day.

This article has been written with the help of AI.

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Sources:

Town & Country: 12 Royal Family Christmas Traditions You've Likely Never Heard Of

The Express: Prince George has ‘replaced’ Prince Harry in sporting Christmas family tradition

The Sun: Prince George to play in royals’ traditional football match for the first time with dad William

People: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis Join Christmas Day Walk to Church After 'Brutal' Year

E! News: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis Will Make Your Christmas Merry and Bright

The Independent: Royal family sets sights on return to normality with more overseas tours in 2025