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NEED TO KNOW
Prince William made a surprise appearance at Aston Villa's Jan. 29 UEFA Europa League match against RB Salzburg at Villa Park
The Prince of Wales was visibly animated in the stands, leaping from his seat and cheering as Villa secured a 3–2 win
Aston Villa's victory advanced the club to the Europa League round of 16, while William's son Prince George was notably absent — likely due to a school night
Prince Williamlet his emotions show during a surprise night out supporting his favorite soccer team.
The Prince of Wales, 43, made a surprise appearance at Aston Villa's UEFA Europa League match against RB Salzburg on Jan. 29 — and reacted like any devoted fan as the drama unfolded at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.
A longtime Aston Villa supporter, William was animated throughout the match, throwing his hands to his face, cheering enthusiastically and leaping from his seat when Tyrone Mings scored Villa's second goal. The team ultimately secured a 3–2 victory, advancing to the Europa League round of 16.
It marked William's first public appearance at one of Villa's matches this season, which began in August 2025, and his passion was unmistakable from the director's box. He was pictured watching alongside club leadership and his close friend Edward van Cutsem,Hello!magazinereported.
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Van Cutsem is close to the royal family and is a godson ofKing Charles. His family's ties to the royals run deep, with his brothers, William and Nicholas, serving as godparents to William's children,Prince George, 12, andPrince Louis, 7, respectively. He's also married to Lady Tamara Grosvenor, the sister of William's friend (and another godparent to Prince George),Hugh Grosvenor, the 7th Duke of Westminster.
Prince William is patron of the Football Association, English soccer's governing body, and has passed down his passion for Aston Villa to his oldest son, George.
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George has joined his dad at several Aston Villa matches in recent years, though he was absent this time — perhaps for a very relatable reason: it was a school night.
George joined William at several Aston Villa matches last year. In a sentimental admission, William toldTNT Sportsthat bringing George to theUEFA Champions League soccer matchwas"a big deal for me" as they made memories together.
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After the father and son attended a game together in 2024, the Prince of Wales confirmed that George was a full-on Villa supporter.
On the way out of the stadium, Prince William was asked if his eldest was "part of the pride," a phrase that Villa fans use to describe their team's followers.
"Oh yes, he's loving it," William said, sports journalistNeil Moxleyreported on X.
Read the original article onPeople
