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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
Bill Bowkett and Elliot Wagland

Win for Palace! Pictures of Prince George looking like football manager have royal fans in stitches

He may be second-in-line to the throne, but royal fans have suggested another high-profile job for Prince George after his recent appearance at Wimbledon.

The future King, who turned 12 on Wednesday, looked like a contender for future England manager after being snapped watching the Gentlemen's Singles final with his family on July 13.

George looked dapper in a navy suit, blue shirt and striped tie as he joined his parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and sister Princess Charlotte, 10, in the Royal Box at Centre Court.

George contemplating like Arsène Wenger (Getty)

His mannerisms drew surprising comparisons on social media to Sir Gareth Southgate, who led the Three Lions to two consecutive Euros final in 2021 and 2024, with some claiming the future monarch has the aura of a disappointed football coach.

X user Bobby Dazzler joked: “Nothing says more than, 'Come on lads sort it out!'”

Another picture from Jannik Sinner's victory over Carlos Alcaraz showed George striking a contemplative pose not unlike the legendary Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger.

Washington Post sports reporter Ella Brockway said: “No one does the look of ‘manager about to unleash a major tactical tweak in the 72nd minute of the FA Cup final’ quite like Prince George.”

It is not the first time George has drawn light-hearted comparisons with a gaffer on the touchline during a tense match.

In 2022, the internet was left in stitches at an image from the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at Buckingham Palace of George standing with hands on hips while pulling a screwed up expression.

Prince George shouting like Pep Guardiola (GETTY)

Martin Woolwich wrote at the time: “Prince George looks like he's sending Louis (his brother) on with five minutes to go to try (and) get a winner, while William gives him the instructions.”

He also pointed his finger at the parade in the same way that current Gunners boss Mikel Arteta directs his players during training.

At one point, the excitement got to George’s head as he screamed from his seat just like Manchester City manager and six-time Premier League winner Pep Guardiola does in his technical area.

Prince George pointing like Mikel Arteta (GETTY)

George is known to be an Aston Villa fan, just like his father, and is regularly spotted attending fixtures at Villa Park.

However, while shouting from the stands in his claret and blue scarf, his expression bared a striking resemblance to former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, who led the Citizens to their first Premier League title in 2012.

Prince George rocking a scarf like Roberto Mancini (GETTY)
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