Prince William and Kate Middleton share image of Charlotte and Louis in England shirts watching Euros final at home as they hail Three Lions' 'teamwork, grit and determination' as an 'inspiration to young and old'

The Prince and Princess of Wales have today posted an endearing photo of Charlotte and Louis watching the Euros final last night as they paid tribute to the Three Lions following England's heartbreaking loss.

In the heartwarming post, the siblings sit side-by-side in front of the television wearing their England shirts with their names and age numbers on the back.

The photo, taken by the Princess, was posted from the official Kensington Palace account and signed off from William and Princess Kate .

William, 42, was joined by his son Prince George, ten, as they watched the Euros showdown at Olympiastadion in Berlin .

Alongside the image they paid tribute to Gareth Southgate 's men being an 'inspiration to young and old'.

They wrote: 'England, your teamwork, grit and determination were an inspiration to all of us, young and old. Congratulations to Spain. W & C.'

Earlier in the day Charlotte had joined Princess Kate, 42, in the Royal Box at Wimbledon in what was her mother's second public appearance since her cancer diagnosis to watch the men's final.

It follows William's heartfelt message last night following the crushing 2-1 loss to Spain in which he wrote just seconds after the final whistle: 'This time it just wasn't meant to be. We're all still so proud of you. Onwards @England. W.'

Millions of fans had packed into bars and pubs in hope of seeing England finally claim their first victory since the World Cup of 1966.

Super sub Cole Palmer had given the nation belief when he struck a brilliant equaliser in the 73rd-minute, after his team had gone behind at the start of the second half.

It sent boozers into wild celebrations, with beers launched into the air as fans sung 'it's coming come' - while in Berlin's Olympiastadion, William and George punched the air in delight.

But the hopes and expectations of a nation came crashing down minutes later when Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal slotted the winning goal past Jordan Pickford in the 86th-minute.

Crestfallen fans were left in disbelief and holding their heads in their hands after England came agonisingly close to victory.

The defeat left William and George visibly stunned, with the Prince of Wales later seen consoling England's dejected skipper, Harry Kane - as King Charles urged the squad to 'hold your heads high' and hailed them the 'pride of a nation'.

Charles urged the side to 'hold your heads high' in a message to Southgate where he praised their 'really great achievement'.

He said: '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 - 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.'