Football enthusiast Prince William met with the players at Wembley Stadium ahead of the FA Cup final showdown between Chelsea and Manchester City. As a devoted Aston Villa fan, the Prince of Wales is marking his 20th year as President and Patron of the Football Association (FA). He interacted with both teams in the tunnel before the match and will also present the trophy to the victors at the end of the game.
In honor of his two-decade tenure as FA President, Prince William was given a special gift. He succeeded his uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, in this role back in 2006. Recently, he visited England’s head coach, Thomas Tuchel, and his support staff at St George’s Park to meet the team behind the national squad preparing for the World Cup. William was gifted an England jersey with the number 20 to commemorate his 20 years of service. England’s World Cup journey kicks off on June 17 against Croatia in Texas.
Among the spectators at the final was Noel Gallagher, a die-hard Manchester City supporter and renowned Oasis icon. Manchester City, led by manager Pep Guardiola, aimed to secure a domestic cup double, having already claimed the trophy six times under Guardiola’s leadership in the past decade. On the other side, Chelsea, under their third manager of the year, Calum McFarlane, were looking to make an impact after changes in coaching staff earlier in the season.
Prince William, a long-time fan of Aston Villa, has shared his love for football with his eldest son, Prince George. The duo has previously attended matches together, including the FA Cup final in 2024 and a game against FC Salzburg in January. Despite initially steering Prince George away from supporting Chelsea, Prince William has since embraced his son’s choice. The Prince has expressed his openness to his children supporting any team, emphasizing the importance of positive values and behavior in football.
Prince William’s attitude towards his son’s football preferences has evolved over the years, showing a more accepting stance. He values the influence of clubs on young fans and wants his children to appreciate the game while being inspired by positive role models.
