Loyal and royal: How the future King became a football superfan
Loyal and Royal: How the Future King Became a Football Superfan
Loyal and royal - Prince William, heir apparent to the British throne, has carved a unique niche as a fervent football enthusiast, with his affection for the sport extending beyond ceremonial duties. His unwavering support for Aston Villa, a club he has followed since youth, has sparked admiration among fans and raised eyebrows in royal circles. This passion was on full display when he stayed awake in Windsor to watch England's historic 2-0 win over Mexico in a recent match, a victory that resonated deeply with the nation's football supporters.
As the Patron of the Football Association, William's involvement with the English team is both professional and personal. He has maintained close ties with players and staff during the tournament, with several England squad members having his direct contact details. His dedication to the game even earned him a place in the royal family's most ardent fan club, a title no other royal has quite claimed. The future king's presence at Aston Villa's Europa League final in Istanbul further solidified his reputation as a sports loyalist, sharing the excitement with childhood friends like Ben Dawes, Thomas van Straubenzee, and Edward van Cutsem.
A Royal Affair with Aston Villa
William's fandom for Aston Villa is a testament to his personal connections to the club. The team's 3-0 triumph over Freiburg marked their first European title in 44 years, a milestone that coincided with the prince's birth year. His attendance at the final was not just a royal gesture but a celebration of a shared love for the sport, which he has openly embraced as a way to connect with fans on a more intimate level.
“UTV! VTID”
On May 20, William's official accounts unveiled a rare burst of enthusiasm, using the hashtag "W" to signal his personal involvement. The message, translated as "Up the Villa" and "Villa Till I Die," was a departure from the usual royal social media fare, which typically features speeches or event summaries. His exuberant reaction to the victory was captured on TV, with fans noting his uncontainable joy and spontaneous gestures of celebration.
William's commitment to football has also led to unexpected moments of camaraderie. During a post-match interview, Aston Villa captain John McGinn highlighted the prince's presence, calling him a "classy guy" who was "never going to miss" the game. The royal's participation in the dressing room festivities added a personal touch to the club's achievements, further blurring the line between duty and devotion.
Podcasts and Public Persona
His relationship with football fans has extended to digital platforms. William has been a regular listener to the Claret and Blue podcast, hosted by Mat Kendrick and Dan Rolinson, who themselves have become familiar faces in the royal family's social media presence. During a recent appearance on Travis Kelce's podcast, William shared insights into his love for the game, even joking about the "good nonsense" of their discussions.
William's role as a celebrity fan has also drawn attention. On a podcast with Kelce, a former NFL player now married to Taylor Swift, he quipped about the "unreal" meeting with Catherine, Princess of Wales, and noted the royal family's surprising success in connecting with sports enthusiasts. "Football fans always like to get one up on each other," he said, "and as celebrity fans go, we are doing pretty well because we have the future King of England and also the actor, Tom Hanks."
While the royal family has long celebrated sports, their focus has traditionally leaned toward horseracing. Queen Elizabeth II, for instance, often displayed a private fondness for the sport, with her reactions to events revealing a more personal side. In contrast, William's embrace of football has positioned him as a modern royal figure who bridges the gap between tradition and contemporary fandom.