Prince William could barely contain his emotions as Aston Villa finally ended their agonising 30-year wait for major silverware with a stunning Europa League final victory in Istanbul.

The Prince of Wales, a lifelong Aston Villa supporter, was seen punching the air, smiling through tears and celebrating wildly in the stands as Villa stormed to a dominant 3-0 win over Freiburg at Besiktas Park. For William, the moment carried even deeper meaning — Villa’s last major trophy came when he was just 13 years old.

Goals from Youri Tielemans and Emi Buendia gave Unai Emery’s side total control before England star Morgan Rogers sealed the unforgettable night in the second half, sending Villa fans into absolute delirium.

William later shared his joy publicly on social media, writing: “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.

“UTV! ❤️ VTID”.

The future King looked visibly emotional throughout the match, with cameras repeatedly catching him celebrating passionately alongside travelling supporters during one of the biggest nights in Aston Villa’s modern history.

Earlier in the evening, William personally visited the dressing room to wish the squad luck before kick-off — a gesture Villa captain John McGinn later praised warmly.

McGinn said: “He’s a classy guy, he was in the dressing room before the game. He’s a massive Villa fan and he was never going to miss it. It’s great to have his support and he’s just a normal guy.”

He jokingly added: “Hopefully tonight he can have a couple of drinks with us and maybe get his credit card out at the end of the night.”

Defender Ezri Konsa also revealed how much the Prince’s support means to the players, admitting he still thinks about the moment William once described him as a “Rolls-Royce”.

Konsa said: “You go home and think: ‘Flipping hell, I just shook his hand, he knows my name’. It’s massive and to have his support is brilliant for the club and the players.

“He called me a Rolls-Royce once. That got stuck in my head. I’ll take that all day.”

William has never hidden his deep love for Aston Villa. He previously explained that he deliberately chose to support the Birmingham club while at school because he wanted a team that would give him “more emotional rollercoaster moments” instead of following football giants like Manchester United or Chelsea.

Ironically, Prince William was born just 26 days after Villa’s last European triumph in 1982 — making this historic victory feel almost written in the stars.

After years of heartbreak, false dawns and frustration, Villa finally delivered the fairytale ending their royal fan had waited decades to witness.

The Prince of Wales is in Turkey tonight watching the match.

 

Prince William looked delighted as he watched the match (Image: Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images)

Prince William has sparked a fan frenzy tonight as he has been seen celebrating Aston Villa in Turkey. The Prince of Wales, 43, is among the Villa fans who have flown to Istanbul to watch the team play against German side Freiburg in their first European final in 44 years.

While the future King looked tense before the game, he was soon beaming from ear to ear as he watched his beloved team play and score three goals. William was seen celebrating each of the goals in the stands of Besiktas Park, jumping up and fist pumping the air with those around him. These moments have been caught on video and posted on X, sparking a fan frenzy.

 

One person wrote: “Prince William is the ultimate Aston Villa fan, and that makes him the coolest prince. Look at this excitement!”

Another said: “Prince William living his best life! Absolute class from the future King supporting his club. Come on Villa!”

Someone else commented: “Prince William is literally the coolest prince, going crazy excited for Aston Villa!”

Another person wrote: “He absolutely loves it!! Go on Prince William!”

Prince William is the ultimate Aston Villa fan, and that makes him the coolest prince. Look at this excitement! pic.twitter.com/jjt3RwpcsR

— Team Golden Goddess (@DancingInfinit1) May 20, 2026

While Prince William is often accompanied by his eldest son, Prince George, to matches, this was not the case tonight.

This is likely to be because George has school tomorrow, and will be too tired flying back home late.

However, it is likely George will be watching the match at home, alongside his mum Princess Catherine and his siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.