Prince George and Prince William's bond over English football team Aston Villa runs deeper than just a casual kickabout in the palace gardens. The royal duo have turned their shared soccer obsession into some adorable father-son bonding moments over the years, including a trip to the Euros last summer. But it seems not everyone in the Wales household will be sporting claret and blue. In a candid pub chat with fellow Villa supporters, Prince William recently spilled why he "didn't want" Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, to follow in his footsteps.
The future King travelled to the College of Paramedics inaugural Emergency and Critical Care Conference in Birmingham on Wednesday, Jan. 15. After wrapping up his official duties, shocked fans by heading to the local Wetherspoons pub for a pint with fellow Villa supporters.
Longtime Aston Villa fan Steve Jones shared some insights into his time with the future King, saying, per GB News, "It was 95 percent chat about Villa as that’s our shared interest, but a bit about his family. Young George is a Villa fan but he didn't want all three to be Villa fans."
Jones didn't elaborate on why the Prince of Wales wasn't keen for all of his kids to follow in his love for Aston Villa, but he did praise William as being "fantastic."
Prince George sported an Aston Villa scarf during an April 2024 match with his dad.
The father-son duo celebrated an England goal during the Euros last summer.
While Prince George, 11, has been living the dream alongside his dad at various matches, including a father-son trip to Berlin for the Euro 2024 final (where England sadly lost to Spain), Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis sported their England jerseys and watched from home. The Princess of Wales, for the record, is a Chelsea fan, and little Louis has never publicly revealed his support for any team other than the England men's national team.
However, Charlotte did record a good luck message for the England national women's team, the Lionesses, in 2023 ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup. During a 2022 visit with the Lionesses, Prince William told the club, "Charlotte wants me to tell you she's really good in goal," per OK!. "A budding star for the future!"
As for Wednesday's pub trip, Jones explained how the meeting with Prince William came to fruition. "We were contacted by the club saying Prince William wanted to meet a delegation of Villa fans as he was in Birmingham as he wanted to keep in the loop with everything going on at Villa," the fan said, via GB News.
"I was quite amazed about how engaged he was with the club, his interest," Jones added. "He's not a fair weather fan. He really loves the club with a passion."
-
Hailey Bieber's $2,000 "To-Go Tote" Lives Up to the NameShe carries it everywhere.
-
Presenting the 2025 Prix D'Excellence AwardsThe year's best new beauty products are waiting for you.
-
The Wild Ride of Carrie CoonLaurie's deep-set insecurities come to a head in episode 7 of 'The White Lotus,' allowing the actress to turn a "dark night of the soul" into an illuminating time.
-
Why Princess Kate and Prince William Will Be Making More Joint Appearances "Whenever Possible," Says Royal ExpertA royal expert weighed in on their plans, calling them "the world's most glamorous royal couple."
-
Prince Harry Was Allegedly Crushed When Prince William Received "Special Treatment" as a Child, Says Royal Butler"Poor Harry's face across the table," Princess Diana's former butler recalled.
-
Prince George Had a Six-Word Message for Prince William to Pass Along to a TV Star During a Recent Royal EngagementThe 11-year-old called the star of a popular U.K. series out.
-
The "Impactful" Change Prince William Has Made to Royal Protocol as He "Splits" From King Charles"It's a model you're likely to see more of," a royal source explained.
-
Prince George Is Set to Inherit One of the U.K.'s "Party Towns," Thanks to Old Royal RuleThe famous location is "a popular choice" for bachelor and bachelorette parties.
-
Why Prince William Decided to Eliminate Queen Elizabeth's "No Selfies" Rule CompletelyThe Prince of Wales has shattered royal protocol when it comes to taking pictures with fans.
-
Prince Louis Could Follow in Prince Andrew’s Footsteps to Receive This Royal Honor When Prince William Becomes KingThe 6-year-old prince could one day hold a special title.
-
Princess Kate Reveals Sporty Princess Charlotte’s "Stiff Competition"The Princess of Wales related to a fellow mom during her St. Patrick's Day appearance.
