The Royalist - Harry Beats William On (and off!) The Pitch

Harry Beats William On (and off!) The Pitch

Written by Joanne Leyland

Tuesday, 27 December 2005

Today's UK newspapers are full of great images of Princes William and Harry showing their competitive side - against each other that is! - as they enjoyed the annual football match between royals and staff.

This year's fixture took place on Christmas Eve, but there was little seasonal spirit between the always fiercely competitive brothers. And this year at least it was Harry who was full of Christmas cheer as his team thrashed William's by five goals to one.

An onlooker tells the Daily Mail: "Both the princes got into the spirit of the game and worked up quite a sweat. They certainly held their own and did not shy away from any tackles. There was a lot of running around and they seemed to enjoy themselves. Harry looked quite fit and was fast on the wing".

"William had a good game, but missed what could have been an easy goal. It was a well-organised match on a marked-out pitch with proper goals and nets".

The game took place in the village of Castle Rising, a short distance from Sandringham house where the Royals, for the first time including Camilla, have enjoyed Christmas together. As to be expected, the match attracted a small crowd, including several girls. But shock, horror...the now balding William was even upstaged by his brother off the pitch as it was apparently around Harry that the admiring girls flocked.

At full-time the Princes were happy to pose for photos before enjoying drinks and oranges, but there was only a cursory handshake between the brothers, William perhaps embarrassed by his rather dismal performance — at one point he jumped for and completely missed a header, whilst another he almost clashed with the goalkeeper.

According to the onlooker: "Harry appeared really upbeat because his team won and went to shake his brother’s hand. William took it all in good spirits, although he didn’t seem too happy to have lost. Neither of the princes is ever going to be a professional footballer, but they certainly gave a good account of themselves".

Perhaps William had more cause to be upset as, keep in mind, this is the man who will soon take over from his Uncle Andrew to become President of The Football Association (FA).

P.S. Remember that fascinating story we told you about yesterday, the Mail's image of Harry with a bump on his forehead? It's believed the Prince clashed heads with an opponent in the rough and tumble of the soccer match.

Please feel welcome to offer your opinions on this and any other royal story by visiting our Royal Forum or via our Comments section below.

Comment on this article