Prince Harry put sporting rivalries aside to congratulate South Africa after they beat England in the Rugby World Cup final.
The prince, who was in Japan to watch the match, was pictured joking with the winning team in their changing room in Yokohama.
He didn’t look too downcast, despite the bruising 32-12 defeat the Springboks just inflicted.
The prince, who watched this morning’s match alongside Japanese Crown Prince Akishino, 53, and his wife Princess Kiko, made a solo trip without his wife and son in his role as patron of the Rugby Football Union.
He earlier praised Japan for the ‘incredible’ way they had hosted the World Cup contest, saying: ‘The way they respect each other, the way they’ve respected the game, and the way they’ve respected the travelling teams. Typically Japanese, remarkable.
‘Look, our guys know what they need to do. I think it’s going to be a fantastic game of rugby. May the best team win.’
In the end, six penalties were given away to the Springboks, and England failed to bounce back after a turbulent first half in which prop Kyle Sinckler was taken off the pitch with a head injury.
Pubs back in the UK began to empty before the final whistle when it became clear England would not be lifting up the cup this time.
Politicians and pundits watching the match also offered their congratulations to the winners – and commiserations to the losers.
Boris Johnson had tweeted a picture of himself watching the game with his dog, with the caption: ‘Come on England!’
Come on England! #ENGvRSA #RWCFinal pic.twitter.com/EnA97AQpW2
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) November 2, 2019
He later wrote: ‘Hats off to South Africa who were just rocklike in defence today but @EnglandRugby can hold their heads high after an amazing tournament.’
Former England player turned pundit Brian Moore tweeted: ‘Congratulations to South Africa – world champions with a fantastic physical and technical display in the set piece and at the breakdown.
‘No complaints; England outplayed in every area.’
Commiserations to @englandrugby. It wasn't to be today but you've done us proud throughout this World Cup.#RWCFinal
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) November 2, 2019
Thank you @englandrugby for a terrific, thrilling tournament. You did us proud!
Congratulations to South Africa on the win. #RWC2019 https://t.co/dlVtBDgKl6
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) November 2, 2019
Jeremy Corbyn wrote: ‘Commiserations to @englandrugby. It wasn’t to be today but you’ve done us proud throughout this World Cup.’
Sadiq Khan posted: ‘Thank you @englandrugby for a terrific, thrilling tournament. You did us proud!
‘Congratulations to South Africa on the win. #RWC2019’
There was heartbreak for many back at home, however, with photos from pubs and events showing the pain etched on people’s faces as they realised England would not return with the cup for the first time since 2003, when they beat Australia.
England fans in The Admiralty pub in Trafalgar Square admitted the best team had won.
Michael O’Donnell, 58, from Kent, said the Springboks were ‘a much stronger team physically’ on the day.
‘While I’m disappointed with the result nothing fell England’s way and they deserved the game,’ he said.
‘Last week we were outstanding and this week there was a little bit of nerves and it wasn’t to be.
‘I’m upset because the players truly believed they were going to win today. They will take it like men. We watched the best team win today.’
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