Prince William seen for first time since Kate Middleton cancer announcement: why did he attend Aston Villa game?

Prince William was seen in public for the time since wife Kate Middleton revealed in March that she was undergoing treatment for cancer. The heir to the British throne was spotted at Premier League high flyers Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League quarter-final against French team Lille, attending at Villa Park with eldest son Prince George, who is second in line.

Kate Middleton’s cancer revelation

On 23 March, the Princess of Wales ended months of speculation about her health by revealing in a video that “planned abdominal surgery” in January had found that “cancer had been present”. Middleton is now undergoing preventative chemotherapy, which reduces the risk of cancer recurring.

Despite the “huge shock,” William and 10-year-old George appeared in good spirits as they watched Aston Villa win the first leg of their Europa League tie at Villa Park. While Tom Hanks has previously discussed his love for the Birmingham-based club, the Duke of Cambrige also has claret and blue pyjamas and posters of Brad Guzan on his bedroom wall (if Kate allows it), and must surely take the title as their most famous fan.

Why does Prince William support Aston Villa?

Speaking in an interview to the BBC’s Gary Lineker before the 2015 FA Cup final (Aston Villa vs Arsenal), the Duke of Cambridge revealed that his rebel streak as a youngster was the reason he became a Villain.

“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. 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.”

Going by Thursday’s pictures, it looks as if Prince George will be following in his father’s footsteps. The younger royal was seen with an Aston Villa scarf draped around his neck while celebrating the team’s narrow win.