Tearful Prince William experiences every emotion as Aston Villa achieves major triumph – all the photos


The Prince of Wales headed out to Turkey on Wednesday to watch Aston Villa play Freiburg as they vied for the Europa League


Prince William crying at Aston Villa game© Getty/Shutterstock
Matthew Moore
Matthew MooreSenior Evening Writer
Updated: 6 hours ago
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Prince William's beloved football team Aston Villa took on German team SC Freiburg on Wednesday May 20,, with both teams aiming to clinch the Europa League - and William was overjoyed as his beloved team surged to a 3-0 win in the Turkish city of Istanbul.

It was the team's first major trophy in 30 years and their first Europa League title since the Prince of Wales had been born.

Ever the loyal fan, William followed the team with friends to Turkey to watch the match in person, and took to social media after the wi to share his joy.

"Amazing night!! Huge congratulations to all the players, team, staff and everyone connected to the club! 44 years since the last taste of European silverware! Special shout out to Boubacar Kamara who has been out injured but is such an integral part of our team and helped lay the foundations of this success. UTV! VTID, W," he wrote, signing off with the W to indicate he wrote the message.

UTV stands for Up The Villa, and VTID is an acronym for Villa 'Tie I Die.

Ahead of the match, William reshared a post from Aston Villa marking the final, writing: "Come on Villa! Good luck in tonight's Europa League final! UTV!" He then signed off the message with 'W'.

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Prince William standign up straight© Getty Images

William was hoping for the best

Standing up straight

Ahead of kick-off, William could be seen with a stern expression as he looked out over the field.

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Prince William with his face behind his hands© Getty Images

Are you really supporting your team if you don't look like this?

Head in hands

It was all the way back in 1982 that Aston Villa last won the Europa League, the same year that William was born. So understandably, the royal had some pre-match nerves.

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Prince William laughing and smiling with a man© Getty Images

William was seen smiling

Having a good time

It wasn't all nerves for the Prince of Wales, he was seen laughing at the start of the match.

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Prince William roaring with happiness© Getty Images

Roaring with pride

As Aston Villa approached an opportunity, William could be seen roaring his team on.

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Prince William looking nervous in a crowd© Getty Images

The shoe swapped to the other foot

Getting tense

Conversely, when Freiburg had an opporunity, William could hardly contain his nerves.

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Prince William celebrating with a crowd© Getty Images

The goal was worth it!

Celebrations in order

Aston Villa kept William waiting, but they scored their first goal in style in the 40th minute. The goal was swiftly followed up six minutes later.

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Prince William smiling as men applaud around him© CameraSport via Getty Images

William knew it was coming home

Can't contain his glee

As Aston Villa took a commanding 3-0 lead, William couldn't contain his glee as he broke out into a huge smile.

Football outings

The royal was out supporting Aston Villa towards the start of the month as he cheered the team on from the stands as he attended their semi-final Europa League match against Nottingham Forest at Villa Park in Birmingham. The Birmingham-based club smashed their opponents, winning 4-0 on this occasion.

Among his enthusiastic reactions, William was seen punching the air as Aston Villa took an early lead. He later couldn't hold back his emotions as he celebrated a goal, embracing his fellow onlookers in a hug.

Group of people in a stadium, with Prince William raising his fists in excitement.© Getty Images
William got very excited during the match

Explaining why he chose the team to support, he told Gary Lineker back in 2015: "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."

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