In a fascinating insight into the personal life of Prince William, it has been revealed that he maintains a ‘secret name’ on social media to keep abreast of developments concerning Aston Villa. This intriguing detail was shared by fellow supporter Steve Jones, who encountered the Prince during a casual meeting in Birmingham.
As the president of the English Football Association, Prince William is widely recognised as one of Aston Villa's most ardent supporters. His passion for the club is often on display during his visits to Villa Park, particularly when he attends matches alongside his son, Prince George. His commitment to the club is further evidenced by his interactions with manager Unai Emery at the training ground, Bodymoor Heath.
Jones recounted a memorable encounter at a Wetherspoons pub located in Birmingham New Street station, where he met the Prince prior to Villa's match against Everton. “He said he keeps abreast of Villa gossip because he is on all the fans' forums. He goes under different names and he posts on there because that's how he gets the feeling of what's going on and what's the opinion,” Jones shared, highlighting the Prince's dedication to understanding the fan perspective.
The meeting was part of a special invitation from Aston Villa, with attendees unaware of their guest's identity until his arrival. They were encouraged to “call him what you want,” as he was there in a personal capacity, free from royal obligations.
William surprised the patrons by entering without a heavy security presence, accompanied by just one aide. “Bold as brass, he introduced himself, shook everyone's hand and said, ‘Right, shall we have a round?’” Jones recalled. The Prince generously treated eight Villa fans to drinks, opting for a pint of Bulmers cider himself, and spent approximately half an hour engaging in spirited discussions about the club before returning to London.
“He was fantastic,” Jones remarked. “I was quite amazed about how engaged he was with the club, his interest. He's not a fair-weather fan. He really loves the club with a passion.” The conversation predominantly revolved around Aston Villa, touching on player transfers and the upcoming Champions League match in Monaco. Jones noted, “It was 95 per cent chat about Villa as that's our shared interest but a bit about his family.”
Confirming that Prince George supports Aston Villa, William expressed a desire for his other children not to all align with the same club. “While Charlotte and Louis have shown interest in England, they haven't spoken about supporting a club,” he said, indicating a thoughtful approach to his children's football allegiances.
Earlier that day, Prince William had attended an event marking his new role as Patron of the College of Paramedics, where he engaged with paramedics on various pressing issues. Upon arriving at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre, he mentioned, “I'll be watching the game and keeping an eye on what's going on.” He later addressed the audience, stating, “It's great to be back in Birmingham, and for any fellow Villa fans with us today - I look forward to celebrating our win over Everton later.”
Dressed in a sharp black coat and matching suit, the Prince reflected on his experiences in emergency services, noting, “Every day provides unpredictable challenges. Every shout is a journey into the unknown. Every split second decision has immeasurable impact on so many people.” This blend of royal duty and genuine football passion paints a picture of a man deeply connected to both his responsibilities and his beloved Aston Villa.