Prince William, the Prince of Wales, has made a passionate journey to Istanbul to support his favourite football club, Aston Villa, as they compete in the Europa League final against German side SC Freiburg. The match, which takes place on May 20, 2026, holds significant meaning for the Prince, as Aston Villa seeks its first major European trophy since 1982, the year of his birth.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Prince-William-052026-4-53024080e8ba4e19936ecb63e8128570.jpg)
The Prince, aged 43, arrived in Istanbul full of enthusiasm for his team, having been a dedicated Villa supporter for many years. Before his departure, he took to social media to rally support, posting a message that read, “Come on Villa! Good luck in tonight’s Europa League final. UTV!” — with ‘UTV’ an abbreviation for the club’s motto, “Up the Villa.” His message concluded simply with “W,” an affectionate sign-off.
William’s commitment to the club is well documented, with the royal frequently attending matches. Just earlier this month, he was present at the club’s Europa League semifinal, which took place on May 7, where Aston Villa secured their place in the final. Following the semi-final victory, William was seen celebrating with fans, passionately joining in on Neil Diamond’s classic, “Sweet Caroline,” as supporters let loose in jubilation.
The Prince’s love for Aston Villa is mirrored in his family life, with his children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—following in his footsteps as fans. William often brings George, aged 12, to matches, and has previously expressed the importance of sharing these experiences with his son. “It’s been 43 years since anything like this has happened in my generation as a Villa fan, and I want George to experience a night out away from home in a big European competition,” he remarked ahead of the club’s first European quarter-final in decades in April 2025.
The Prince also recounted a humorous exchange at a garden party, where he quipped about having “bags under the eyes” after celebrating Aston Villa’s semifinal win. Joined by his wife, Kate Middleton, they shared how their children were keen to watch their father live, ultimately agreeing to allow them to stay up late to view the ongoing match from home, an arrangement that is likely to be repeated for the final.
Moreover, William has spoken about his superstitious behaviours that accompany his viewing of Aston Villa matches. He admitted to rearranging furniture and shifting the positions of his children in hopes of changing the team’s fortunes during tense moments. This anecdote encapsulates his deep connection to the sport and illustrates how his passion extends beyond mere spectatorship.
The camaraderie shared among fans also resonates deeply with William. During an official visit to Birmingham, he took time to engage with supporters heading to an Aston Villa match, discussing club matters, player transfers, and upcoming fixtures. Steve Jones, a longstanding fan, remarked on their conversation, noting, “He asked many questions — he’s got a good level of interest.”
As the final match unfolds in Istanbul, George, Charlotte, and Louis will surely be watching their father’s beloved team with anticipation from their home, carrying on the royal family’s support for Aston Villa. The match not only represents a pivotal moment for the club but also serves as a bonding experience for the family who share in the highs and lows of being dedicated football fans. As the clock ticks down to kick-off, all eyes will be on Aston Villa as they strive for a historic victory.