The prince is known to be a keen sportsman and his competitive nature certainly shone through today as he played in a football match between Sandringham estate workers and villagers from neighbouring Castle Rising in Norfolk.
Joined by Kate's younger brother James Middleton in the now-traditional Christmas Eve fixture, Harry didn't hold back as he careened around the pitch, covering his legs in spattering of mud.
Leading his team to a 7-2 victory the Prince warmly embraced James, who played this year for the first time in the annual match.
His passion etched on his face, the 30-year-old prince, who is staying with the rest of the extended royal family at the Sandringham estate with the Queen over the festive period, couldn't keep from exclaiming loudly at his team's success.
Harry played in a football match between Sandringham estate workers and villagers from neighbouring Castle Rising in Norfolk
Harry's affection for the Duchess of Cambridge's brother James Middleton (centre) was clear as the two celebrated their victory with a warm embrace
This is the first time James (right) has been invited to play in the now traditional Christmas Eve game
Harry's skill on the pitch was recognised by his team mates, who nominated him to take every corner in the match
As the game began to turn in favour of the Sandringham team Harry couldn't hide his delight as he hugged a goal scoring team mate
Slightly red in the face from his vigorous efforts on the pitch, Harry had a beaming smile as he hugged a friend after yet another goal
The prince was clearly passionate about the outcome as he shouted at his team mates to pass him the ball
Harry seemed totally at ease on the pitch, celebrating his team's successes (left) and even flashing some royal abs
Harry jostles for the ball, fending off a tackle, seemingly unaffected by the 150 locals who turned up to cheer him on
Harry's skills helped his team come out victorious, with a 7-2 victory
Harry did a dramatic slide in a valiant attempt to stop the ball going out of play, displaying what appears to be holes in his shorts
Both Harry and his opposing teammate seem to come perilously close to falling foul of the 'no contact' rule during this tackle
Harry's face contorted in pain as he hit the ground after a particularly rough tackle, rolling on to his back to re-group
The prince attempts to spread play with a long pass as local villagers look on
The talented prince gains control of the ball in the match,which has now become an annual tradition
Harry, who is an accomplished polo player, was a key member of the team, making tackles and getting involved in the action
At times during the match, Harry's level of exhaustion was evident on his face, though he kept up a strong pace through the 90 minutes
The prince adopts a serious expression as he prepares to take a corner kick in the midday sunshine
The young prince gives it his all as he drove the ball close to the goal, watched by a rather worried looking goal keeper
Although the annual match is a friendly occasion, there was no shortage of competition on the pitch
Harry's impressive sporting prowess was on full display as he confidently manoeuvred the ball around the pitch
At one point the prince appeared to have nearly been tripped up by another player after a particularly enthusiastic sprint
The pair played on the Castle Rising team and despite initially being 1-0 down, they battled back to win 7-2.
Prince Harry, 30, played right wing and James played in defence, but there was no sign of Prince William, who played in the match last year.
At one point, Harry had to climb over a fence to retrieve the football after it got kicked off the pitch.
The royal was a key member of the team, making tackles and getting involved in the action as well as being nominated to take all of the corners.
Although he is known to prefer rugby over football, his enthusiasm for the game was clear to see.
It is thought Harry was playing for the workers employed on his grandmother's estate - who ran out easy winners with a 7-2 victory.
Around 150 locals turned out to watch the annual match.
Despite the heavy-handedness of play throughout the game, the event was good-natured as the two teams chatted and joked together during half time.
Harry's affection for Kate's 27-year-old brother was also evident as the Prince causally slung his arm around the young businessman's shoulders as they talked over tactics.
It is not known if James will be joining the royal family for Christmas tomorrow though.
Harry wore a yellow and black striped shirt, sponsored by the Black Horse Inn, the local pub in Castle Rising, as well as black shorts and green knee length socks.
He then changed into a black T-shirt to head back to his car after shaking hands with players at the end of the match.
The event is a far cry from the formality of tomorrow, when he will attend a church service with the royal family, led by the Queen.
His older brother who last year played in the match alongside Harry, is enjoying the festive break at his home in nearby Anmer Hall with the pregnant Duchess of Cambridge and young Prince George.
It is believed that William, 32, had intended to join in the match today but was prevented by a recent ankle injury.
During a break in the match Harry, an accomplished equestrian, found a friend in the form of a horse in a neighbouring field
Initially uninterested, the horse seemed to turn to watch the prince when play resumed
Despite the heavy handedness of play throughout the game, the event was good natured as the two teams chatted and joked together during half time
The team, which is made up of workers from his grandmother's estate, posed for photos after their victorious game
The prince donned a clean black Levi's T-shirt to head back to his car after the match
Harry was seen stopping to chat to an unknown young blonde on his way back to his car, clutching a bottle of water
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