Prince William recently took a memorable trip to Paris with his son, Prince George, to attend Aston Villa’s Champions League quarter-final match against PSG.
The royal father-son duo was eager to make lasting memories, and this trip was all about experiencing a significant event together.
The Prince of Wales wanted George to have the chance to witness a big European night, something that would be unforgettable.
The pair’s emotional rollercoaster began right from the first half of the match at the Parc des Princes.
Aston Villa fans, including the royals, celebrated when Morgan Rogers gave Villa the lead, but their excitement was short-lived as PSG’s Desire Doue equalized with a brilliant strike.
Despite the ups and downs, Prince William was clearly enjoying the experience, and he shared with TNT Sports that it was all about making “special memories” with his son.
An Exciting Night with TNT Sports
Before settling into their seats, Prince William joined TNT Sports pundits Rio Ferdinand and Ally McCoist.
The conversation quickly turned to whether the trip was a “lads’ trip,” to which the Prince joked that he was on his “best behaviour” in Paris, especially with George by his side.
He laughed, admitting that while he was sure Villa fans would make themselves known, he was focused on the significance of the moment for his son.
“It’s been 43 years since something like this has happened,” Prince William noted, referring to the rare occasion of Aston Villa’s success in the Champions League.
“I want George to experience a big night out at a major competition. These memories are really important to create, and bringing him here was key.”
He even mentioned that although his other children were at home, George was there to enjoy the game firsthand.
A Prediction and a Little Bit of Nerves
As the match got underway, Prince William shared his prediction for the first leg: Aston Villa would win 2-1.
Despite his optimism, he admitted to feeling a little nervous ahead of facing PSG, who have been impressive in the Champions League.
“It’s been a long time coming, so it’s a big game,” he said, clearly excited but anxious. “But I’m confident and excited about what’s to come.”
Later, he was seen in the tunnel before kick-off, where he exchanged a warm hug with Marcus Rashford, the Aston Villa and England forward.
Prince William has often been seen showing support for the team, and his affection for Villa was evident as the players made their way to the changing rooms.
Why Aston Villa?
Prince William’s connection with Aston Villa goes way back, and it’s a story he has shared before.
He first got into football during his school days and was looking for a club to support.
While many of his friends followed top teams like Manchester United and Chelsea, Prince William wanted to pick a club that offered more of an emotional rollercoaster experience.
Aston Villa, despite not always being a top contender, fit the bill.
“I didn’t want to follow the usual teams,” he explained. “I wanted something that was more mid-table, something with a bit more unpredictability.”
He continued, “I might have regretted that choice a little, especially after all the ups and downs!” But the more he followed Villa, the more his connection with the club grew, especially after their relegation to the Championship in 2016.
“It’s funny,” he admitted, “I became even more interested in Villa after they went down.
I think it might have been because, with the rise of smartphones and constant updates, it was easier to follow their progress.”
His passion for the team grew stronger as technology made it easier to stay connected, and now, he is a proud supporter of Aston Villa.
Looking Ahead to Villa’s Future
As Aston Villa continues their Champions League journey, Prince William’s presence at the game with George was more than just a royal outing.
It was a father-son bonding moment, a way to create memories for the future, and a demonstration of his deep, long-standing connection with the club.
Whether they win or lose, the experience of this special night will no doubt stay with both Prince William and Prince George for years to come.