Prince William joined Aston Villa supporters in Istanbul as they celebrated their Europa League victory.
Prince William mirrored the elation of Aston Villa fans on Wednesday as the club ended a 30-year trophy drought by defeating Freiburg 3-0 in the Europa League final held in Istanbul.
The Prince of Wales showcased a range of emotions throughout the final at Besiktas Park, as Villa aimed to secure their first European trophy since 1982.
Following the release of emotions after Villa’s three goals, the Prince shared a congratulatory message.
He remarked: “Amazing night!! Huge congratulations to all the players, team, staff and everyone connected to the club! 44 years since the last taste of European silverware!
“Special shout out to Boubacar Kamara who has been out injured but is such an integral part of our team and helped lay the foundations of this success.”
With an estimated 20,000 fans turning the Turkish city into ‘Astonbul,’ Villa clinched their first Europa League title with goals from Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Buendia, and Morgan Rogers.
Prior to the match, Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks shared a special message in support of Villa.
In an eight-second clip sent to BBC Radio WM, the Hollywood star and Villa fan said: “This is Tom Hanks in the United States of America, thinking one thing and one thing only, go Villa.”
The victory sparked celebrations that are just beginning, with a parade scheduled in Birmingham on Thursday.
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Prince William was observed taking in the atmosphere before the match began.
The Prince’s nerves appeared as Villa struggled to score.
Prince William showed his relief as Villa scored first.
Prince William was overjoyed as Villa doubled their lead right before half-time.
Prince William celebrated again as Villa made it 3-0.
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A regular at Villa Park, Prince William was seen celebrating in the crowd as Villa defeated Nottingham Forest earlier in the month, securing their spot in the Europa League final.
Thus, it was fitting for the Prince to journey to Turkey to witness Villa make history.
Television cameras captured the Prince absorbing the pre-match atmosphere and celebrating with those around him as Villa secured their hold on the trophy.
The Prince also made sure to document the historic moment when John McGinn lifted the trophy above his head.
Villa captain McGinn described Prince William as “just a normal guy” after the victory.
McGinn told TNT Sports: “He’s a classy man, he was in the dressing room before the game.
“He’s a massive Villa fan, he was never going to miss it. He’s just a normal guy, it’s great to have his support.”
The Prince began supporting Villa during his school days in Berkshire, opting for a team further afield to avoid following the crowd.
“A long time ago at school, I got into football big time. I was looking around for clubs. All my friends at school were either Manchester United fans or Chelsea fans and I didn’t want to follow the run-of-the-mill teams,” he told the BBC in 2015.
“I wanted to have a team that was more mid-table that could give me more emotional rollercoaster moments.”
William was born 26 days after Villa’s European Cup final victory against Bayern Munich on 26 May 1982.
He has previously discussed the joy he derives from supporting a club with the highs and lows that Villa have experienced.
“Aston Villa‘s always had a great history. I have got friends of mine who support Aston Villa and one of the first FA Cup games I went to was Bolton v Aston Villa back in 2000. Sadly, Villa went on to lose to Chelsea [in the final],” he added.
“It was the atmosphere, the camaraderie and I really felt that there was something I could connect with.”
Pubs in Birmingham were packed as Villa fans celebrated their Europa League win.
Since Villa last held a European trophy in 1982, they have witnessed Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Manchester City secure continental titles.
Those Villa supporters unable to obtain a golden ticket to the final filled Birmingham’s Utilita Arena and pubs across the Midlands.
It’s a time for celebration among Villa fans, and here’s what it means to them:
Nick: I listened to the final in 82 on the radio at age 12. Who would have thought 44 years later I’d be watching on telly with my two sons and my 84 year old dad (with dementia)? Special football moments x
Sharon: Lost my dad last October who was a lifetime Villa fan – he would be so proud – I’m crying with happiness at this performance- what a team.
James: My dad passed away in 2023, he was Villa through and through – I’m sat here tonight in his old shirt wishing he could see this! Best Villa team in the last 30 years!!! UTV
Jon: I remember hearing about Villa winning the League Cup when I was four and being gutted I didn’t get to watch it. Thirty years later I finally get to watch them lift a trophy. Hopefully my three-year-old doesn’t have to wait so long!
Explosions of confetti in Birmingham marked the moment as Aston Villa won their first trophy since lifting the League Cup in 1996.
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