Footy fanatic Prince George joined his dad Prince William on the pitch for the first time to play in a ­traditional pre-Christmas match.

The pair played in the same team during the annual game between Sandringham estate workers and nearby villagers, as the Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, rallied at the sidelines to cheer them on.

According to an insider, William almost scored a goal as George ran around the pitch energetically in what onlookers called “healthy father-and-son bonding time”, The Sun reports.

The source added: “There were other children playing and it was all good fun and light-hearted. 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.”

William, 42, has previously taken George, 11, to Villa Park and was joined by the young prince to cheer on England at Wembley. The duo were snapped jumping up and cheering players on when Cole Palmer scored for England, who won 2-1 against Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin in July.

The Princess of Wales, 42, stunned in a deep purple polo neck, lilac waistcoat, beige trousers and a green cap as she watched William and George from the side of the pitch. She wore her hair in a stylish plait and held a pair of black leather gloves, with Prince Louis, 6, and Princess Charlotte, 9, standing beside her to show their support.

William said on the That Peter Crouch Podcast in 2020 that George is free to support whichever team he likes. He said: “I’m trying not to persuade him to be a Villa fan, I’m letting him choose his own way. It’s about finding what fits for him.”