Prince William’s beloved Aston Villa was out in Turkey on Wednesday to take on German team SC Freiburg, with both teams aiming to win the Europa League.
Ever the loyal fan, William followed the team to watch the match, with the Prince of Wales undertaking a solo trip to watch the match in Istanbul.
Ahead of the match, William reshared a post from Aston Villa marking the final, writing: “Come on Villa! Good luck in tonight’s Europa League final! UTV!” He then signed off the message with ‘W’.
© Getty ImagesAre you really supporting your team if you don’t look like this?
Head in hands
It was all the way back in 1982 that Aston Villa last won the Europa League, the same year that William was born. So understandably, the royal had some pre-match nerves.
© Getty ImagesWilliam was seen smiling
Having a good time
It wasn’t all nerves for the Prince of Wales, he was seen laughing at the start of the match.
© Getty ImagesRoaring with pride
As Aston Villa approached an opportunity, William could be seen roaring his team on.
© Getty ImagesThe shoe swapped to the other foot
Getting tense
Conversely, when Freiburg had an opporunity, William could hardly contain his nerves.
© Getty ImagesThe goal was worth it!
Celebrations in order
Aston Villa kept William waiting, but they scored their first goal in style in the 40th minute. The goal was swiftly followed up six minutes later.
© CameraSport via Getty ImagesWilliam knew it was coming home
Can’t contain his glee
As Aston Villa took a commanding 3-0 lead, William couldn’t contain his glee as he broke out into a huge smile.
Football outings
The royal was out supporting Aston Villa towards the start of the month as he cheered the team on from the stands as he attended their semi-final Europa League match against Nottingham Forest at Villa Park in Birmingham. The Birmingham-based club smashed their opponents, winning 4-0 on this occasion.
Among his enthusiastic reactions, William was seen punching the air as Aston Villa took an early lead. He later couldn’t hold back his emotions as he celebrated a goal, embracing his fellow onlookers in a hug.
© Getty ImagesExplaining why he chose the team to support, he told Gary Lineker back in 2015: “A long time ago at school, I got into football big time. I was looking around for clubs. All my friends at school were either Man United fans or Chelsea fans and I didn’t want to follow the run-of-the-mill teams.”
“I wanted to have a team that was more mid-table that could give me more emotional rollercoaster moments. Aston Villa’s always had a great history.”
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