King Charles tells England squad to 'hold their heads high' following Euros 2024 defeat to Spain and promises Britain will still 'roar with pride' for Three Lions in letter to Gareth Southgate

King Charles has told the England squad to 'hold their heads high' following their Euros 2024 defeat and promised Britain would still 'roar with pride' for the Three Lions.

The monarch, 75, issued a statement to the England team after they lost 2-1 to Spain in the 2022 Euros in Berlin yesterday evening.

The statement - which was published on the Royal Family's official X account - was addressed to England manager Gareth Southgate.

It read: 'Although victory may have eluded you this evening, nevertheless my wife and I join all my family in urging you and your support team to hold your heads high.

'All those who have participated in sporting activities at any level will know how utterly despairing such a result can feel when the prize was so near.

King Charles (pictured on Friday) has told the England squad to 'hold their heads high' following their Euros 2024 defeat and promised Britain would still 'roar with pride' for the Three Lions

The statement - which was published on the Royal Family's official X account - was addressed to England manager Gareth Southgate (pictured)

'And will join me in sending heartfelt sympathy, even as we congratulate Spain.

'But please know that your success in reaching the European Championship final is a really great achievement in itself, and one that brings with it the pride of a nation which will continue to roar for the Three Lions today - and in the many triumphs which I have no doubt lie ahead.'

The letter was then signed: 'Charles R.' 

King Charles' letter comes after Prince William released his own message to the England squad last night.

The Prince of Wales - who was watching the match in Berlin with Prince George - posted on X: 'This time it just wasn’t meant to be. We’re all still so proud of you. Onwards @England. W.'

After Spain scored earlier in the match, Prince George looked visibly disappointed as he took a seat next to his father. 

But Cole Palmer's glorious goal reignited the royals' dream of a Euros win this evening.

The father-and-son looked visibly tense and holding their heads in their hands as Cole neared the goal.

Pictured: King Charles' letter to Gareth Southgate in full. The message was published on X

The father and son appeared visibly heartbroken as they stared out at the pitch with their heads in their hands

The royal pair then jumped up out of their seats and shouted in celebration alongside Keir Starmer. 

Following their celebration, Prince William turned to hug Prince George, who appeared overwhelmed with joy.

However, William and George's relief was short-lived as Spain scored again just minutes later - thereby securing the Euros 2024 victory.

The father and son appeared visibly heartbroken as they stared out at the pitch with their heads in their hands. 

Earlier in the match, royal fans gushed over how George has become his father's 'mini-me' after Kensington Palace uploaded footage of the father-and-son arriving.

One wrote on X: 'Prince George walks exactly like his father. Prince William's mini-me!'

Another added: 'Adorable. Prince George walks like his father.'