Prince William was in a celebratory mood last night after Aston Villa claimed a third consecutive Champions League victory to continue the start of their European dreams.
The Prince of Wales, a lifelong Villa supporter, could not contain his excitement after Unai Emery’s side claimed a 2-0 victory over Bologna to maintain their 100 per cent record in the competition.
During the match, former Scotland striker and TNT Sports co-commentator Ally McCoist joked whether Prince William would have been among the Villa fans watching at home.
Prince William, who honored McCoist with an OBE at Windsor Castle earlier this month, offered an unprecedented personal response via social media as he reveled in Aston Villa’s victory.
Although the Royal Family normally refrains from interacting with commercial ventures, the Prince of Wales reposted a TNT tweet about Villa’s victory, writing: “Of course I was watching, @Ally_McCoist9.”
The future King, who sometimes takes his son Prince George to games at Villa Park, signed his post with a ‘W’ for William and #UTV, which stands for ‘Up the Villa’.
Prince William is pictured honoring Ally McCoist with an OBE for services to football and broadcasting at Windsor Castle on October 2.
Prince William was celebrating last night after Aston Villa claimed a third successive Champions League victory. He tweeted at McCoist from the Kensington Royal X account.
Prince William is a lifelong Aston Villa fan and occasionally attends matches at Villa Park with his son, Prince George.
Villa continued their good form in Europe thanks to goals from John McGinn and Jhon Duran.
It comes after William and McCoist recently crossed paths at Windsor Castle, where the former Rangers striker was awarded an OBE for his services to football and broadcasting.
That day, McCoist shared a photo of Prince William presenting him with the honour, writing: “This is a very proud moment for me and my family. I am honored to receive my OBE from Prince William today at Windsor Castle.”
“Thank you for all the support and messages, it means a lot.”
In the tweet, before Aston Villa’s surprise victory over Bayern Munich, he also joked: “Are we talking about Aston Villa?” That’s between me and the Prince (winking emoji).’
Speaking about his meeting with the Prince of Wales, McCoist told The Scottish Sun: “I think the fact that we had met before and chatted before was a good degree of comfort.
‘It was great, it was special. Sometimes you worry if there will be things to say, if there will be things to talk about, but he reassures everyone. I really enjoyed the few minutes of conversation we had.
“I’m obviously very aware that the prince is an Aston Villa fan; they have a very, very important game tonight, and I think he will do it.”
Aston Villa beat Bologna 2-0 and continues its good start in the Champions League
Ally McCoist wondered if Prince William, an Aston Villa fan, had been watching the game.
McCoist, left, revealed he had spoken to Prince William when he received his OBE.
Prince William was present when Aston Villa beat Bayern Munich earlier this month.
Prince William looked ecstatic as he cheered on his beloved Aston Villa to a surprising victory against Bayern Munich on October 2.
A jubilant William could not contain his emotions as his team won the game 1-0 against all odds, giving a delighted thumbs up to another member of the crowd.
Prince William reacts during the Champions League match between Aston Villa and Bayern Munich.
Prince William and Prince George were seen celebrating Aston Villa’s first goal against Lille in April.
William, a passionate Villa fan, sometimes brings Prince George along for the experience.
Prince William and his son Prince George watch Aston Villa take on Lille last season
“So we talked about that and actually working in broadcasting and life in general.”
Prince William was last at Villa Park for the club’s historic victory against Bayern Munich.
The heir to the throne said he had lost his voice after enthusiastically cheering his beloved side to victory.
Television footage showed a jubilant William cheering and hugging those at his side throughout, as his team beat German giants Bayern 1-0 in a repeat of their 1982 European Cup final victory.
The prince, known to be a big football fan, also clenched his fists in victory and gave a delighted thumbs up to another member of the crowd.
After the match, William said: “I’ve lost my voice.” I can’t believe it at all. 42 years.’