Photos that prove ‘gutted’ Prince William is just like every other football fan

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Just like the rest of the nation’s football fans, Prince William was “gutted” after England’s 2026 World Cup dreams were dashed last week following a devastating down to the wire 1-2 loss to Argentina in the semi-finals. 

“Gutted. England, you gave it everything and we are all so proud of you. Thank you to everyone on and off the pitch, for an incredible tournament,” the Prince of Wales, who is the royal patron and former president of England’s Football Association, wrote on his social media page after the match. 

“The fight and belief you have shown has inspired us all. The most complete England team in a tournament. Hold your heads high.”

While he missed out on the 2026 World Cup, William has been known to cheer on England fiercely from the stands over the years, proving he’s just as much a football fan as the rest of us. As the World Cup draws to a close and England takes home a respectable third place, see some of William’s most memorable spectator moments…

© Getty Images

Fierce fan

William was up on his feet as he animatedly celebrated a goal by England’s Bukayo Saka in the team’s 2024 Euro quarter-final match against Switzerland. The royal looked every inch the football fan from the stands in Germany as he pumped a fist in the air.

Like father, like son© Getty Images

Like father, like son

William’s eldest son, Prince George, seems to be following in his dad’s footsteps as an avid football supporter. 

The father-son duo looked equally invested while cheering on Aston Villa FC in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 quarter final match against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris in April 2025.

 

Matching expressions© Getty Images

Matching expressions

Like any football fan, William looks like he’s experienced all the emotions while watching the sport. 

The Prince of Wales was again joined by his son George for the UEFA Euro 2024 final match between Spain and England. George mirrored his dad’s shocked expression as the pair both had their hands to their faces while the match, which ended in a 2-1 loss for England, kept them in proper suspense. 

William, Prince of Wales celebrates Aston Villa's second goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Semi-Final Second Leg match between Aston Villa FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Villa Park on May 07, 2026 in Birmingham, England© Getty Images

Proud supporter

William is a well-known long-time Aston Villa supporter, going back to his school days. The royal truly backs his team, and got right into the game-day spirit for Aston Villa’s match against Nottingham Forest during the UEFA Champions League in May 2026. 

The royal ecstatically celebrated as his team scored a second goal in the match, which ended in a 4-0 victory for Aston. William must have been happy about that!

Thumbs up© Getty Images

Thumbs up

Aston Villa’s victory in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match got a double thumbs up reaction from the Prince of Wales. 

The royal watched the match amongst the crowd and appeared to be pretty happy with Aston’s 1-0 victory. 

William, Prince of Wales reacts during the UEFA Europa League Final 2026 match between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa FC at Besiktas Park on May 20, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey© Getty Images

Go team!

William was back to barrack for his team in the UEFA Europa League final match against SC Freiburg on 20 May. Once again, the royal got right into the football frenzy as he was seen screaming from the stands.

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Prince George of Wales attend the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg football match between Aston Villa FC and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Villa Park on April 15, 2025 in Birmingham, England© Getty Images

In suspense

William was on the edge of his seat for the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 quarter final between Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain. 

The royal had his hand on the railing as he kept his eyes glued to the match happening below. 

William, Prince of Wales reacts as he watchesg the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Aston Villa FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Villa Park on April 15, 2025 in Birmingham, England. © Getty Images

Range of emotions

It was a tough one for Aston Villa who suffered a 5-4 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain. 

The match had the Prince of Wales experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions, at one point covering his face as he looked a bit stressed. 

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