Prince William was recently spotted enjoying a relaxed evening with Aston Villa supporters at a Wetherspoons pub in Birmingham, an outing that underscores his enduring passion for football. While the Royal Family traditionally maintains a stance of political neutrality, the heir to the throne has openly embraced his love for the sport, particularly for Aston Villa. His commitment to the club is evident, as he has previously taken his children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, to matches, instilling in them the same fervour for the team.
The occasion coincided with Aston Villa's upcoming fixture against Everton in Merseyside. Photographs from the event capture Prince William engaging warmly with fans, including 18-year-old Daniel Jones, who described the prince as “proper down to earth” after he generously treated the group to a round of drinks. During his visit, the prince opted for a Bulmer's Cider and spent approximately half an hour socialising before departing to watch the match on television.
Local resident John McEvoy, 64, shared his experience with the prince in an interview with Sky News, revealing, “William said a family friend took him to his first game - Villa against Bolton - and he's loved the team ever since.” McEvoy noted that the prince expressed his excitement about watching the match later that evening, adding, “He was just a really nice, genuine bloke who really loves Villa.” He also mentioned that the club had arranged for fans to meet the prince, stating, “We knew he was coming, but it's the first time we've met him.”
While some sceptics have questioned his loyalty to Aston Villa, given his lack of direct ties to the area, Prince William addressed his footballing allegiance in a 2015 interview with the BBC. He explained, “A long time ago at school I got into football big time. All my friends were Chelsea or Manchester United fans and I didn't really want to follow the run of the mill team. I wanted to have a team that was more mid-table that could give me more emotional rollercoaster moments. Aston Villa has always had a great history.”
Reflecting on his early experiences with the club, the prince reminisced, “One of the first FA Cup games I went to was Bolton v Aston Villa back in 2000. Sadly, Villa went on to lose to Chelsea. It was fantastic, I sat with all the fans with my red beanie on, and I was sat with all the Brummie fans and had a great time. It was the atmosphere, the camaraderie and I really felt that there was something I could connect with.”
As noted by Metro.co.uk, Prince William’s heartfelt support for Aston Villa not only highlights his dedication to the club but also strengthens his connection with its community. This engagement serves as a reminder of the unifying power of football, transcending social boundaries and fostering a sense of belonging among supporters.