In a country with one of the world’s premier professional leagues—where an England World Cup match can keep more than nine million people up all night—Prince William’s passion for football gives him an instant bond with vast swathes of the public. His teenage decision to back Aston Villa only strengthens that connection.
Choosing Villa rather than global giants like Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, or Chelsea made him feel more down-to-earth and relatable, noted Gregg Evans of The Athletic, co-author of Waking the Giant: Inside the Rebirth of Aston Villa.
Sharing the highs and lows of fandom matters at a time when public views of the monarchy have been under strain. Football links William to the nation he will one day lead in a way polo never could.
Mat Kendrick of the Claret and Blue podcast doubts a 13- or 14-year-old William was plotting a decades-long image play by picking Villa.
The real test, Kendrick added, will be whether he can still display his claret-and-blue loyalties as openly once he is King.
He hopes the crown won’t change William’s approachable manner—and jokes that Villa fans will have bragging rights when the monarch is one of their own.
And of all possible bragging rights, none would surpass William watching England win a first World Cup in 60 years—as a future king, FA patron, and devoted football fan.