The British quartet secured their place in the final following a tense semi-final encounter

The Prince and Princess of Wales have used social media to send their support to Britain’s men’s curling squad ahead of their Olympic final.

The four-man team will compete against Canada for gold at Milano Cortina on Saturday, marking a significant moment for British curling at the Winter Games.

William and Catherine posted an encouraging message beneath Team GB’s official Instagram announcement, writing: “Best of luck in the final Bruce, Grant, Hammy and Bobby! We will be cheering you on.”

The couple signed off with their customary initials “W & C” to indicate the personal nature of their communication.

Prince William and Princess of Wales make surprise move ahead of Team GB Olympic final

 | INSTAGRAM / GETTY

The British quartet secured their place in the final following a tense semi-final encounter with Switzerland earlier in the competition.

Skip Bruce Mouat led his teammates Grant Hardie, Hammy McMillan Jr., and Bobby Lammie to an 8-5 triumph over the Swiss side at the Italian venue.

The victory guarantees Team GB a medal in the men’s curling event and sets up a showdown with Canada for the top prize on the podium.

It represents a major achievement for the squad, who will now have the opportunity to claim Olympic gold when they face the Canadians this weekend.

Grant Hardie, Hammy McMillan, Bruce Mouat and Bobby Lammie of Team Great Britain celebrate victory in the Men’s semi-final match

 | GETTY

The royal couple had previously met the curling squad during a visit to Scotland’s National Curling Academy in Stirling, which took place a fortnight before the Games commenced.

Mr Mouat, 31, spoke about the encounter, telling Hello!: “I was starstruck, to be honest. They walked into the ice rink just like two normal people would.”

The skip added: “It was so cool, having the prince and princess shaking hands with us, chatting and wishing us good luck.

“I thought it was really special that they came along, and I was honoured to have the opportunity to teach them how to curl.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales commented underneath Team GB’s Instagram post

 | 

INSTAGRAM: TEAM GB

The victory guarantees Team GB a medal in the men’s curling event and sets up a showdown with Canada for the top prize on the podium

 | 

GETTY

Both William and Kate hold patronage roles within rugby, lending their support to the sport at the highest level.

The princess has served as Royal Patron of both the Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Football League since 2022, whilst William has held the equivalent position with the Welsh Rugby Union since 2016.

Their dual allegiances were evident earlier this month when England faced Wales in the Six Nations Championship at Twickenham.

The couple issued a joint statement wishing both sides well, signing off with “May the best team win” alongside their initials.

England ultimately prevailed in that encounter, defeating Wales 48-7.