Aston Villa’s royal approval: Prince William dances to Sweet Caroline and fist-pumps as he celebrates his beloved side reaching the Europa League final with dominant victory over Nottingham Forest
Prince William’s raw emotion was on full display on Thursday night after seeing his beloved Aston Villa side reach the Europa League final.
The Prince of Wales was in attendance for their semi-final second leg at Villa Park and he was a beacon of happiness at full-time after their 4-0 win overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit against rivals Nottingham Forest.
The full-time whistle sparked mass hysteria inside Villa Park, and the future King of the United Kingdom was a part of that as he was pictured clapping enthusiastically and celebrating with those nearby.
He also got involved in the post-match singing as he was captured on the TNT Sports cameras, who will screen the final in Istanbul on May 20, belting out Neil Diamond’s 1969 classic Sweet Caroline with other supporters as it was blasted over the tannoy.
He then visited the Villa players’ dressing room to congratulate them and manager Unai Emery on their achievement.
The elation was in contrast to his serene state pre-match. He was seen talking to Emery in the build-up to the game and later having a chat with England head coach Thomas Tuchel.
Prince William was beaming as he saw his Aston Villa side reach the Europa League final
His raw emotion was visible as Villa scored a third goal against Nottingham Forest on Thursday
The Prince of Wales can look forward to seeing his side face German side Freiburg on May 20
However, once the match did get underway the initial nerves were visible as he puffed out his cheeks in one photo during the game.
Those worries were allayed a little bit on 36 minutes when Ollie Watkins put Villa ahead on the evening, making it 1-1 on aggregate, after scoring after excellent work from Emi Buendia.
Buendia then put Villa in front in the tie from the penalty spot on 58 minutes – cueing the first real raw celebration from Prince William.
John McGinn spoke to the royal member before kick-off and he brought a smile to his face towards the end of the match with a four-minute brace on 77 and 80 minutes to complete the scoreline and let Prince William and others dream of the Europa League final.
MORE TO FOLLOW
Prince William fist pumps after Emi Buendia’s penalty put Villa ahead 2-1 on aggregate
He looked nervous before the match, but those worries were later allayed by his side’s display
Prince William had an engaging chat with Aston Villa manager Unai Emery ahead of the match
Pre-match, the future King of the United Kingdom spoke with England boss Thomas Tuchel
John McGinn, who would go on to score twice, shares a chat with Prince William pre-kick-off
