Prince William was seen celebrating with unrestrained joy after Aston Villa secured a major win on Friday morning AEST to book their place in the Europa League final.
Villa defeated Nottingham Forest 4-0 in the second leg of their semi-final, sealing a 4-1 aggregate triumph. The result sends them into the final against Freiburg on May 21, where they will try to end a 30-year wait for silverware.
The Prince of Wales, 43, has long supported Villa, and his excitement was clear as the club moved a step closer to a long-awaited trophy. He was first shown reacting passionately when Emi Buendia’s penalty put Villa 2-1 ahead on aggregate, embracing and hugging those around him in the stands.
At full-time, cameras returned to William as he sang and danced along to Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline”.
His animated celebration quickly drew praise online, with fans enjoying the sight of the royal sharing in the moment.
One wrote: “William is living his best life.”
Another added: “Aww how nice! —he looks so happy and relaxed!”
The 44 replied: “Prince William goes MENTAL as Villa take the lead. Football really is for EVERYONE.”
Another account responded: “Prince William is as giddy as a child on Christmas morning.”
Villa manager Unai Emery later revealed William had also joined the celebrations in the dressing room after the match.
Emery said” “He (William) was in the dressing room with the players and with me. He was so happy!”
Villa’s last major trophy came in 1996, when they beat Leeds 3-0 in the League Cup final.
Emery is now chasing the fifth Europa League title of his managerial career. The Spanish coach previously won the competition three times with Sevilla and once with Villarreal.
Villa will go into the final as strong favourites against Freiburg. Winning the trophy would also secure Champions League qualification, although the club is already in a strong position to reach Europe’s top competition through its Premier League finish.
