Prince William cheered his beloved Aston Villa to victory at Wembley today as they outplayed Derby County in the Championship play-off final.
The Birmingham-based side has won the final place in the Premier League, resulting in a revenue injection of around £170million.
The Duke of Cambridge, who has been a fan since his school days, jumped up in the air with his fists clenched as Villa went one up in the closing stages of the first half.
There was elation minutes before the whistle when Anwar El Ghazi put the claret and blues ahead – leaving Derby fans distraught.
And there was more heartache in store for The Rams in the second half as Villa doubled their lead with a goal from John McGinn; though Frank Lampard’s side clawed one back thanks to a great finish by Jack Marriott.
The prince looked positively ecstatic as the final whistle went, sealing the win for the The Villans.
Prince William cheered on his beloved Aston Villa at Wembley today as they took on Derby County in the Championship play-off final
Cause for celebration! William couldn’t hold back as Aston Villa soared to victory in the football
The Duke of Cambridge, who has been a fan since his school days, jumped into the air and celebrated the goal with former player John Carew
No stiff upper lip here! William clapped and celebrated in a box at the game as he clapped and cheered
The Prince couldn’t hide his elation as he grabbed ex-player John Carew for a celebratory cuddle
Father-of-three William, 36, dressed down for the occasion in a navy blue jumper with a pale blue shirt beneath, teaming it with dark blue chinos
The Duke of Cambridge (left) and former footballer John Carew (far right) chatted in the stands during the Sky Bet Championship Play-off final at Wembley Stadium
Father-of-three William, 36, dressed down for the occasion in a navy jumper over a pale blue shirt, which he teamed with dark blue chinos.
He also donned a baseball cap emblazoned with the team’s crest, but this came flying off when they went close to scoring.
He joined former player John Carew in a box in the stands of the north London stadium as he animatedly cheered on his team – the favourites of the clash.
William has previously spoken about his passionate support of the Midlands club and has attended several Villa matches in the past.
In the build up to the goal it was tense in the stands, but Anwar El Ghazi converted and put the claret and blues ahead
Prince William even donned a baseball cap emblazoned with the team’s crest, but this came flying off when they went close to scoring a goal
When picking Aston Villa as his team, William said he wanted one that was more mid-table that could give me more emotional rollercoaster moments – just like this one
There was elation minutes before the half time whistle when Anwar El Ghazi put the claret and blues ahead – leaving Derby distraught
It was all smiles in the box as William and his companions clapped off Villa at half time
William has previously spoken about his passionate support of the Midlands club and has attended Villa matches in the past
Ahead of Villa’s FA Cup defeat to Arsenal in May 2015, he told BBC presenter Gary Linker: ‘A long time ago at school I got into football big time.
‘I was looking around for clubs. All my friends at school were either Man United fans or Chelsea fans and I didn’t want to follow the run of the mill teams.
‘I wanted to have a team that was more mid-table that could give me more emotional rollercoaster moments.
‘Aston Villa’s always had a great history. I have got friends of mine who support Aston Villa and one of the first FA Cup games I went to was Bolton v Aston Villa back in 2000.
Speaking about the crunch match last week, William said he was ‘incredibly excited’ but admitted it would be a ‘nervy affair’
Speaking about his love for the club, William said it was the atmosphere and camaraderie among the fans that got him hooked
Villa have played Derby twice already in the Championship this season and emerged victorious on both occasions
Prince William celebrates the second goal of the match scored by John McGinn of Aston Villa
Ahead of the game, William was offered a customised Villa shirt to wear – but he turned down the gesture
The Duke of Cambridge (left) celebrates in the stands with former footballer John Carew (right) after Aston Villa’s Anwar El Ghazi scores his side’s first goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship play-off
Celebrations in order! William was over the moon with the celebration which saw him hug and cheer others
‘Sadly, Villa went on to lose to Chelsea. It was fantastic, I sat with all the fans with my red beanie on, and I was sat with all the Brummie fans and had a great time.
‘It was the atmosphere, the camaraderie and I really felt that there was something I could connect with.’
Ahead of the game, William was offered a customised Villa shirt to wear – but he turned down the gesture, sporting his cap instead.
Speaking about the crunch match last week, he told the BBC he was ‘incredibly excited’ but admitted it would be a ‘nervy affair’.
Villa have played Derby twice already in the Championship this season and emerged victorious on both occasions.