The Prince of Wales has shared a good luck message with Aston Villa ahead of their Europa League final tonight.
William, who has supported the Birmingham club since his schooldays and is expected to be in the stands for the clash, declared: ‘Come on Villa! Good luck in tonight’s Europa League final. UTV! W’.
The future King’s passion for Villa has long been well known – and there was no hiding his delight earlier this month when Unai Emery’s men thrashed Nottingham Forest 4-0 at Villa Park to book their place in the final.
William was spotted punching the air in jubilation from the stands as the famous old ground erupted in celebration.
And the royal support did not end there. Following the emphatic victory, Emery later revealed that William had joined the squad in the dressing room for the post-match celebrations.
The Prince’s bond with the club runs deep. He was born less than a month after Villa’s greatest triumph – their stunning European Cup victory over Bayern Munich in May 1982.
Now, more than 40 years later, Villa stand on the brink of another famous continental success with thousands of travelling supporters descending on Istanbul for tonight’s showdown.
Last week, veteran football commentator Clive Tyldesley insisted William’s devotion to the club is entirely authentic after meeting him at an investiture ceremony.
William, who has supported the Birmingham club since his schooldays and is expected to be in the stands for the clash
William was spotted punching the air in jubilation from the stands as the famous old ground erupted in celebration
Tyldesley said: ‘There’s nothing manufactured about his love for his football team.
‘He is not a supporter of the most famous club in the country. He’s a supporter of a team that’s had its highs and lows, and is just about to enjoy, hopefully, a wonderful high next week.’
He also described William’s connection to Villa as a ‘genuine link’ between the Royal Family and the national game.
The Europa League final between Freiburg and Aston Villa kicks off at 8pm, with William expected to be among the sea of claret and blue roaring Villa on from the stands.
