Let’s talk about the royal family for a moment, because there’s something happening that deserves our attention. When Prince William and Duchess Kate brought their eldest son, Prince George, to the European Championship soccer final between England and Italy, royal fans everywhere were thrilled. But here’s the thing: after George, who’s nearly 8, faced some truly horrific online abuse, the couple is reportedly thinking twice about letting him step into the spotlight too often.

Now, here’s the backstory. During the match, George was dressed sharply in a suit and tie, which was required attire for those seated in the soccer federation’s box. But instead of appreciating the young prince’s dapper look, some trolls decided to mock him. They hurled insults and even told him to “cry into your tie” after England’s heartbreaking loss to Italy. Can you believe that? It’s hard to imagine anyone being so cruel to an innocent child, but unfortunately, it happens.

Why William and Kate Are Keeping Their Kids Close

William, who’s 39, and Kate, also 39, have always been incredibly protective of their children—George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. They rarely bring them to public events, and when they do, it’s usually for special occasions like Trooping the Color. So when George showed up at Wembley Stadium, cheering alongside the fans, it was a rare and heartwarming moment. But now, after the online backlash, the couple seems more determined than ever to shield their kids from the harsh realities of public life.

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Expert Insights: What’s Next for George?

Royal expert and author Robert Jobson believes that William and Kate are going to limit George’s public appearances to protect him from further online abuse. “With George, he got quite a lot of social media attention. Some were critical about him wearing a shirt and tie like his dad, which I thought was very harsh,” Robert told Australia’s Sunrise TV show. He added, “He has been very popular, but I think they are going to try and keep him out of the limelight a little bit. They are very conscious of that.” When contacted by Closer, a rep for Kensington Palace declined to comment.

George’s Love for Soccer and His Big Moment

Let’s rewind a bit. William and Kate initially brought George to watch England defeat Germany on June 29, securing the Three Lions a spot in the quarterfinals. The team fought hard and made it all the way to the Championship match on July 11. In the end, they lost to Italy in penalty kicks after a 1-1 tie and two overtimes. Throughout the match, George was seen cheering excitedly and hugging both of his parents when England scored. And when the team was defeated, he was comforted by them—a touching reminder of the family’s closeness.

Despite the online backlash, many fans are hoping that the family will still release a birthday portrait of George when he turns 8 on July 22. It’s become a tradition for William and Kate to share a personal photo taken by Kate every year, giving the British public a glimpse into how their children are growing up. Let’s hope the haters don’t ruin this special tradition for the royal family.