Prince William, the Prince of Wales, experienced a dream come true as he watched his beloved Aston Villa secure the UEFA Europa League title. The championship match took place on 20th May 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey, where the Prince joined a group of close friends to cheer on the team against Paris Saint-Germain.
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Throughout the match, Aston Villa exhibited dominant gameplay, keeping supporters on the edge of their seats. Photographs captured Prince William, along with his friends, visibly engrossed in the action. When the final whistle signalled a resounding 3-0 victory for Villa, jubilant celebrations erupted among the fans. The Prince, swept up in the moment, was seen high-fiving and wiping away tears as he celebrated with fellow supporters.
William’s connection to Aston Villa dates back to his childhood. In a 2015 interview with BBC’s Gary Lineker, he revealed how he became a fan of the club. “All my friends at school were either Manchester United fans or Chelsea fans, and I didn’t want to follow the run-of-the-mill teams,” he explained. He noted that he sought a club that could offer emotional ups and downs, which he found in Aston Villa’s rich history and vibrant supporter culture. His first live match experience was in 2000 during an FA Cup game against Bolton, where he felt a strong camaraderie with other Villa fans.
Among Prince William’s friends who accompanied him to the match was Ben Dawes, who has known the Prince for many years. Dawes, affectionately nicknamed “Dawesey,” operates in the wine industry and co-founded Marlo Wines with his wife. Their shared commitment to environmentalism reflects a wider trend in the sector. Dawes spoke about their transition to eco-friendly packaging, highlighting the importance of sustainability in their business ethos.
Another long-standing friend in attendance was Ed van Cutsem, whose family has deep ties with the royal family. The Prince and Ed grew up together, and their families have maintained close relationships for decades. Ed was even a pageboy at Prince Charles’s wedding to Princess Diana. His son, Jake, joined the celebration at the match, further solidifying the bond between the royal and van Cutsem families, which also includes godparent connections between Prince William and Ed’s children.
Another notable friend present was Thomas van Straubenzee, who plays a significant role in the Prince’s life as the godfather of Princess Charlotte. Both Thomas and his brother have participated in significant royal events, including serving as ushers at Prince Harry’s wedding. The van Straubenzees have been connected to the royal family since childhood, and the tragic passing of their brother, Henry, prompted both Princes William and Harry to support a charity established in his memory.
On the pitch, Aston Villa’s players were equally excited to have the royal fan cheering them on. Captain John McGinn underscored the Prince’s genuine passion for the club, remarking on the warmth and normalcy he brings whenever he visits. William regularly attends training sessions and maintains an active interest in the team.
Post-match celebrations saw the Prince join the team for drinks, marking a rare occasion where he let his hair down among the players. Defender Matty Cash described the atmosphere at the afterparty as joyous, highlighting the unity between the Prince and the team. Cash conveyed his delight at having the royal supporter fully partake in the festivities after such a significant victory for Aston Villa.
This triumph is particularly special for the Prince, embodying both his long-standing loyalty to the club and a celebration of close relationships forged over the years. Aston Villa’s success in this prestigious tournament is not only a moment of pride for the team and its fans but also a cherished memory for Prince William and his friends, affirming their shared love for the game and the sense of community that accompanies it.