On the evening of April 9, 2025, the Prince of Wales, Prince William, along with his son Prince George and childhood friend Thomas van Straubenzee, made their way to Paris to cheer on Aston Villa in a highly anticipated Champions League quarter-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain. The atmosphere was electric at the Parc des Princes as fans gathered to witness the clash of these two footballing giants.
Despite the excitement, the night ended in disappointment for the royal duo as Aston Villa succumbed to a 3-1 defeat. It was a tough result for the Villa faithful, especially for Prince William, who had donned his "lucky clothes" in hopes of a positive outcome. Just before the match, he expressed his nerves, saying he was "pretty terrified" about facing a PSG team that had recently eliminated Liverpool from the competition.
The match began with a glimmer of hope for Villa when Morgan Rogers scored the opening goal in the 35th minute, sending the away fans—and the Prince and his son—into wild celebrations. Prince William, visibly animated, shared a hug with George as they celebrated the lead. However, the joy was short-lived as PSG's Desire Doue equalized just before halftime with a stunning strike that curled into the top corner.
As the second half unfolded, the French side took control of the match. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia put PSG ahead with an impressive solo goal early in the half, and Nuno Mendes sealed Villa's fate with a late goal, making it a challenging task for the return leg at Villa Park next Tuesday.
Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Prince William noted, "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. Those memories are really important to create and bringing him along tonight is a big deal for me." His sentiments echoed the excitement of many long-time Villa supporters who have endured the ups and downs of the club.
In the lead-up to the match, Prince William joined TNT Sports pundits Rio Ferdinand and Ally McCoist, where he provided insightful analysis about Villa's tactics and the challenges posed by PSG’s high press. He remarked, "I think we all saw the Liverpool game, and PSG's intensity. In the first leg, they were unbelievable. They gave a lot of pressure, they pressed very high. It’s about managing that press." Ferdinand humorously urged the Prince not to pursue a career in punditry, complimenting his football knowledge.
Throughout the match, the emotional rollercoaster was palpable. Prince William and George were seen celebrating passionately when Villa took the lead, only to be brought back down to earth as PSG responded decisively. The Prince's love for Aston Villa is well-documented, having supported the club since his school days. He explained, "I didn’t want to follow the run-of-the-mill teams; I wanted to have a team that was more mid-table that could give me more emotional rollercoaster moments."
Born just 26 days after Villa's glorious European Cup victory in 1982, Prince William has often expressed pride in the club's rich history. He recounted attending his first FA Cup game, where he experienced the camaraderie and atmosphere that has kept his passion for Villa alive. Despite his royal status, he remains a genuine fan who has been spotted at various Villa matches, including their recent Champions League journey.
As the match came to a close, the disappointment was evident, but the Prince remained optimistic about the return leg. He had predicted a 2-1 victory for Villa before the match, showcasing his unwavering belief in his team's potential. The royal family’s support for Aston Villa adds a unique narrative to the club's journey in the Champions League, making the upcoming second leg even more compelling.
While the loss in Paris was a setback, it also serves as a reminder of the highs and lows that come with being a football fan. Prince William's commitment to instilling the same passion in Prince George is commendable, as he hopes to create lasting memories through shared experiences in football.
As Aston Villa prepares for the return leg at Villa Park, fans and players alike will be hoping for a comeback that could turn the tide in their favor. With the support of their most famous fan and his son, the team will surely feel the weight of expectation as they look to overturn the deficit against a formidable PSG side.
The journey of Aston Villa in this Champions League campaign continues, with the next chapter set to unfold next Tuesday. Will the Villains rise to the occasion and secure a place in the semi-finals? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: the spirit of the fans, including Prince William and Prince George, will be unwavering as they cheer their team on.
