Aston Villa's Royal Fan: Prince William's Secret Life as an Online Forum Troll!

“I got this call from Aston Villa asking if I wanted to meet the future King of England at a train station Wetherspoon’s.” No, this is not a set-up line to a gag, nor a conversation with a large dollop of irony. It happened. This incredible story unfolded when Steve Jones, chairman of Chasetown Football Club, found himself arranging a pub meet-up with none other than Prince William, the Prince of Wales, a staunch Aston Villa supporter.

A Pint with the Prince

Two days after receiving the astonishing request, Jones recounted a Wednesday afternoon like no other to The Athletic. For 45 minutes, the prince joined eight other Villa supporters in a Wetherspoon's pub, engaging in lively discussions about Unai Emery, players, and the club's Champions League run. The atmosphere was relaxed, with sausage rolls and coffee fueling the conversation. Jones and his friend Darren Johnson, seasoned Villa fans with season tickets, still found themselves reeling from the surreal experience. The meeting was meticulously planned; the prince, after fulfilling his official duties at a College of Paramedics conference in Birmingham, had a gap in his schedule and seized the opportunity to connect with fellow Villa fans.

The Royal Meet-Up

The prince's aides contacted Aston Villa to arrange the meeting. Jones was instructed to gather some fans, and he brought along his wife, son, and a group of regulars from their lounge at Villa Park. The location: The London and Northern Western Wetherspoon’s pub, discreetly tucked near Birmingham New Street station. Security was subtle, blending seamlessly into the pub's environment. William, described as being "off duty," interacted with the fans without any formal protocol, even offering to buy a round. The level of detail Jones and Johnson provided about Prince William’s demeanour is absolutely compelling. Their recall of the event is so vivid, as though the events are still unfolding before their eyes.

More Than Just a Fan

Prince William's support for Aston Villa is deeply rooted. While he first attended a match at Villa Park in November 2013, his fandom dates back to childhood, beginning with the FA Cup semi-final win over Bolton Wanderers in 2000. He actively tries to watch every game, attending in person when his schedule allows. He's even visited the team's training ground, Bodymoor Heath, and visited the dressing room before games to wish the players well. His familiarity with the players, past and present, is notable. It seems Prince William is very passionate about the club. He has a good rapport with several players, as evidenced by his past requests for autographed memorabilia and his supportive gestures during times of need.

Royal Knowledge

Jones and Johnson were astonished by William's extensive knowledge of the club. He effortlessly discussed tactical decisions, potential transfers, financial regulations (PSR), and even the sale of Chelsea's women's team. His insight and understanding, beyond a typical fan's awareness, highlighted his deep engagement with the team and the sport. The deep level of engagement from Prince William is a testament to his love for the sport and his genuine passion for Aston Villa.

The Online Aston Villa Fan

The most surprising revelation came when Prince William admitted to being an active contributor to Aston Villa online fan forums. He uses different pseudonyms to remain anonymous, enabling him to gauge the pulse of fan opinion and gain unfiltered perspectives on the team. This secret activity reveals a side of the royal rarely seen. Prince William is an active, engaged Aston Villa supporter. This part of his life remains largely unknown. However, there may be reasons behind his secrecy.

A Royal Revelation

The informal setting and genuine interaction with fans were highly memorable. The prince, despite being the heir to the throne, remained approachable and engaged in relaxed conversations, showing genuine interest in the opinions of ordinary supporters. Even after the hour-and-a-half time slot allotted for the meet-up, he did not seem in a hurry to end the meeting. This simple act of connecting with his fans underscores the personality of Prince William, while still in his professional capacity.

The Legacy of a Royal Fan

Prince William's enthusiasm for Aston Villa is not merely a fleeting interest; it's a significant part of his identity. His support has extended to his son, Prince George, who has also developed a love for the club, even though his father actively steered him away from supporting Chelsea, the club mostly supported by those around him. This anecdote reveals a heartwarming family connection through a shared passion. The prince’s dedication to Aston Villa will also help to attract potential sponsors to the club. This will also boost the club’s overall financial standing.

This unique story of a royal's passion for the EPL highlights the unifying power of football and the enduring bond between a team and its fans. The story of Prince William’s connection to Aston Villa is a delightful tale of a royal fan who takes his love for the team seriously. It is a story of passion, community and devotion. It is also a story of how much the club means to its fans, even its royal ones. This is something that will never be forgotten.