Football pundit Ally McCoist has described the bond between Prince William and his son Prince George over their shared support of Aston Villa as “magical”.
The former Scotland striker observed the future king’s deep passion for the Birmingham club throughout last season, noting how Prince George has clearly inherited his father’s allegiance.
McCoist said: “What it showed to everybody is just what a big football fan the prince is.
“It was magical to see, just like any dad and his son watching and cheering their favourite team when a goal’s gone in, and a wonderful look at the prince probably in an environment that a lot of people, myself included, wouldn’t expect to see him.”
Football pundit Ally McCoist has described the bond between Prince William and his son Prince George over their shared support of Aston Villa as “magical”.
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The Prince of Wales impressed television executives when he joined Rio Ferdinand and McCoist for a punditry segment ahead of Villa’s Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain in April.
The six-minute preview attracted nearly one million views within 24 hours on TNT’s social media platform.
Ferdinand was so struck by William’s football knowledge that he joked during the broadcast: “Can I just say something? Do not go for a punditry job please – because I could be out of a job!”
Broadcasting insiders praised William’s tactical insights about PSG, with a TNT source confirming they were “over the moon with the segment and the incredible reaction and would love to have him back.”
William has revealed that all three of his children own Villa shirts, though he hopes they will choose their own teams to support rather than automatically following his club.
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A royal source revealed that “Prince William absolutely loved the experience and would 100% be up for doing it again,” adding that the prince believes “the beautiful game has the power to bring communities together.”
On Saturday, Aston Villa sent birthday wishes to their royal supporter through their official social media channels, posting: “Happy Birthday to His Royal Heirness The Prince of Wales” with a purple heart emoji representing the club’s colours.
William has revealed that all three of his children own Villa shirts, though he hopes they will choose their own teams to support rather than automatically following his club.
The prince has also shared amusing details about his match-watching habits, admitting he moves his children around the room whilst watching Villa on television in an attempt to change the team’s fortunes when they’re losing.
William and Prince George’s attendance at Villa’s Champions League fixtures last season provided memorable moments for fellow supporters.
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William and Prince George’s attendance at Villa’s Champions League fixtures last season provided memorable moments for fellow supporters.
The pair were present for both quarter-final matches against Paris Saint-Germain, with McCoist noting how their celebrations resonated with fans across the country.
“A lot of people have said to me up and down the country. It was wonderful to see him as a man of the people,” McCoist observed.
The sight of the future king and his eldest son celebrating goals together at Villa Park offered a glimpse of their relationship away from formal royal duties.
