The English heir to the throne, Prince William (42), spoke on X today, 17 September, about the start of the league phase of the UEFA Champions League. The avowed, lifelong fan of the Birmingham club Aston Villa wished his team good luck for the upcoming matches – and in the same breath recalled football history.
Prince William recalls triumph before his birth
“The last time Aston Villa won a top European competition was the month before I was born,” writes William, referring to his team’s victory in the European Cup final on May 26, 1982. And he continues: “Let’s hope that tonight is the first step towards another European adventure!”
The last time @AVFCOfficial won in the top European competition, it was the month before I was born. Let’s hope tonight is the first step towards another European adventure!
My thoughts this evening are also with Villa legend Gary Shaw’s friends and family following his passing…
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 17, 2024
The husband of Princess Kate (42) has watched his team’s games live in the stadium several times in the past. He also took his son Prince George (11) with him, who sat next to him in the stands. Villa will play against Young Boys Bern in Switzerland this evening.
It is the club’s first ever participation in the Champions League. The traditional club last played in the European Cup in the 1982/83 season. During the newly introduced Champions League phase, the team will also face RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, among others.
