As a dedicated football fan, Prince William took to X on Tuesday to express his excitement before his beloved Aston Villa’s first Champions League match.
Reflecting on the occasion, he wrote: “The last time @AVFCOfficial won in top European competition was the month before I was born. Here’s hoping tonight marks the start of another European adventure!”
William also paid tribute to Gary Shaw, a former Aston Villa player who recently passed away. Shaw, who played for the club from 1978 to 1988, made 165 appearances and scored 59 goals.
William noted: “My thoughts this evening are also with Villa legend Gary Shaw’s friends and family following his passing yesterday.”
He ended his message with his initial, ‘W,’ adding a personal touch.
Gary Shaw died on September 16 at the age of 63 after suffering a fall at his home on September 9. He was hospitalized in a serious condition and passed away a week later.
William, a long-time supporter of the Birmingham-based club, previously shared his passion for Aston Villa with Gary Lineker in 2015, explaining his choice of team.
“A long time ago at school, I got into football big time. I was looking around for clubs. All my friends were either Man United or Chelsea fans, and I didn’t want to follow the mainstream teams. I wanted a team with more emotional rollercoaster moments. Aston Villa’s always had a great history.”
William’s love for the club has also been passed down to his eldest son, Prince George, who has accompanied his father to matches.
This post came shortly after William’s visit to the new Airbus Helicopters headquarters at Oxford Airport last Friday. Attending in a private capacity, he spoke with staff and toured the facility.
Lenny Brown, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in the UK, expressed gratitude for William’s attendance, saying, “We very much appreciate His Royal Highness’s presence at the opening of our new HQ. The prince is an important figure in the British helicopter community, and it was a pleasure to show him our state-of-the-art production facilities.”
