Prince William experienced a night of high drama at Villa Park as his beloved Aston Villa secured a thrilling 4-2 victory over Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
The Prince of Wales was among the passionate supporters watching the Birmingham side continue their European campaign with an impressive win against the Scottish champions.
The heir to the throne, a lifelong Villa fan, was spotted in the stands displaying the full range of emotions throughout the match.
Like any passionate supporter, William’s face told the story of the match as it unfolded, with cameras capturing his every reaction.
Prince William celebrates in the stands as beloved football team Aston Villa wins major game
Getty
Photos showed the Prince experiencing moments of clear despair when Villa missed chances during the encounter.
These were balanced by scenes of pure jubilation as the goals went in, with William seen cheering enthusiastically as his team found the net.
The royal’s animated display demonstrated his deep connection to the club’s fortunes throughout the seven-goal thriller.
The Villa Park triumph comes after William’s recent European away day, having travelled to Monaco earlier this month to support his team.
Prince William reacts to a chance by Aston Villa during the UEFA Champions League, league stage match
PA
During that trip to the Principality, which ended in a 1-0 defeat, the Prince was accompanied by close friend Thomas van Straubenzee.
Van Straubenzee, who serves as godfather to William’s daughter Princess Charlotte, joined the royal for what proved to be a less successful European outing than tonight’s home victory.
Earlier this month, William surprised Villa supporters with an impromptu visit to a local pub, where he discussed the club with fellow fans.
“He was fantastic. I was quite amazed at how engaged he was with the club and his interest. He’s not a fair-weather fan. He really loves the club with a passion,” said supporter Steve Jones, 56.
Prince William looked elated as he celebrated Villa’s win
Reuters
Prince William watched his beloved team from the stands
Reuters
During the pub visit, William revealed that his son Prince George shares his Villa allegiance, though he “didn’t want all three children to be Villa fans.”
William’s long-standing connection to Villa was explained in a 2015 conversation with Gary Lineker, where he revealed his reasons for choosing the club.
“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,” the Prince explained.
“I wanted to have a team that was more mid-table, one that could give me more emotional rollercoaster moments. Aston Villa’s always had a great history.”
