Being an Aston Villa fan means learning to take the lows with the highs, and this week, Prince William got to share that lesson with his eldest son.
The Prince of Wales, 44, and Prince George, 13, cheered on Villa from the stands at Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona on Tuesday, Nov. 3, as their team took on FC Barcelona in the Champions League. The father-son getaway fell during George’s half-term break from Eton College, and it marked his first public appearance since he started at the boarding school in September, Town & Country reported.
The evening started on a high note. Barça president Joan Laporta greeted the pair before kickoff with a personalized Barça shirt, and the royals watched from a VIP box alongside several former Barça players. From there, the night tested even the most devoted fans. The father and son were photographed sitting through pouring rain, and Villa, which had won all three of its previous league-phase matches, fell to Barcelona 3-0.
Still, few things bond a parent and child like sticking it out through a tough loss together, and Villa has long been something William and his kids share. People noted he once admitted to moving his children to different spots around the house when the team is struggling, hoping to change its luck. He has also insisted he isn’t pressuring them to follow in his footsteps. “I’m kind of hoping they’ll all find their own teams in time,” he said, according to Town & Country. For now, at least, George seems firmly on his dad’s side.
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The Spain trip also gave George a chance to spend time with his dad during his half-term break from Eton College, where he began attending school in September. The pair reportedly traveled on a commercial flight to Barcelona, where they were also welcomed by FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who presented them with personalized Barça shirts before the match.
For William, sharing a love of soccer with his son may be just as rewarding as watching his team play. And while George is still free to choose his own favorite club, it’s clear that a little Aston Villa enthusiasm is already part of their family tradition.