Even Prince William, an avid football fan, was utterly caught up in the excitement recently at an unexpected nail-biting match. It was in this stadium that he saw the England Lionesses demolish the Dutch ‘Oranje’ with a stunning 4-0 display. The Duke of Cambridge, a fervent supporter of both the national team and Aston Villa, was seen fully engaged in the game, cheering and clapping for the players throughout the match.
Once on the pitch at the inaugural match, Prince William showed he was serious about supporting the squad by belting out the national anthem prior to kick-off. His exuberance was infectious to those in attendance as you could see his joy translate with each person he connected with smiling, talking and celebrating together in excitement. Perhaps most importantly, he high-fived a young fan, capping off his super approachable, everyman charm.
Despite the havoc wreaked by the storm, as the match went on, Prince William kept his cool — even when Alessia Russo’s goal was ruled offside. His ability to keep calm under pressure highlighted his dedication to supporting the Lionesses, demonstrating an encouraging presence in the stands.
Other times, Prince William would just call or text the players. Prior to the tournament, he expressed his support with a heartfelt message:
“I just want to say the best of luck to all of you. I have seen a few of you and said that to your faces. I know there is a good mixture of those who have been and done a few tournaments before and those whose first tournament it is.” – Prince William
According to folks, it is his attendance at the game that ensures good luck for his team. On the field, they really delivered an impressive performance! The Duke’s excitement during previous matches, including a Champions League game in March, further illustrates his passion for football and the emotional connection he shares with the sport.
Perhaps most surprising of all is that Prince William attended the match without his children. His passion and enthusiasm fired up the players and the fans alike. His enthusiasm throughout the game, clapping their work and celebrating every goal, was a true representation of his commitment to women’s football.
