Prince William uses a ‘secret name’ online to follow the latest Aston Villa news and rumours on fan forums, a fellow supporter has revealed.
The Prince of Wales, who is a regular visitor to Villa Park with his son Prince George, claims he has taken his fandom to the next level by using a pseudonym to protect his identity online.
William, who is patron of the English Football Association, is one of Villa’s most famous supporters and has been spotted on numerous occasions at Bodymoor Heath training ground chatting with boss Unai Emery.
HIs love of the club and of fan forums was revealed by a fellow Villian, who spoke to the Royal whilst sipping some pre-match drinks at a Wetherspoons pub at New Street station before Aston Villa’s clash with Everton on Wednesday.
Fan Steve Jones told the Athletic: ‘He said he keeps abreast of Villa gossip because he is on all the fans’ forums.
‘He goes under different names and he posts on there because that’s how he gets the feeling of what’s going on and what’s the opinion.’
Mr Jones was contacted by the club to meet William but was not told who he would be meeting, having only been given a time and place.
He and the other fans were told to ‘call him what you want’ as the prince was off duty and there on his ‘own time’.
The Prince of Wales, pictured at Villa Park, claims he has taken his fandom to the next level by using a pseudonym to protect his identity online
Prince William surprised day drinkers as he popped in for a pint at Wetherspoons on his way back from an official engagement
Jones said: ‘He came in and he wasn’t surrounded by loads of security, just one of his aides.
‘Bold as brass, he introduced himself, shook everyone’s hand and said, “Right, shall we have a round?”‘.
William bought a round of beers for eight Villa fans and sipped a pint of Bulmers cider, staying for around half an hour before catching a train back to London.
Steve said: ‘We were contacted by the club saying Prince William wanted to meet a delegation of Villa fans as he was in Birmingham as he wanted to keep in the loop with everything going on at Villa.
‘He was fantastic. I was quite amazed about how engaged he was with the club, his interest. He’s not a fair weather fan. He really loves the club with a passion.
‘We spoke about the club, the transfers, the pending Champions League trip to Monaco, and all things Aston Villa. He asked many questions – he’s got a good level of interest.
‘It was 95 per cent chat about Villa as that’s our shared interest but a bit about his family. Young George is a Villa fan but he didn’t want all three to be Villa fans.
While Charlotte and Louis have shown interest in England, they haven’t spoken about supporting a club.
The Prince bought a round of beers for eight Villa fans, including Daniel Jones (pictured), and sipped a pint of Bulmers cider, staying for around half an hour before catching a train back to London
The future king was spotted in the Birmingham New Street Station branch of the popular pub chain after appearing at an event to mark his new role as Patron of the College of Paramedics
William was apparently keen to speak to Aston Villa fans like himself, ahead of the team playing Everton, and sipped a pint of cider
Meanwhile George, 11, has been spotted at Aston Villa games with his father.
Last year Mike Tindall, 45, who is married to King Charles’s niece Zara, said: ‘George loves his football.’
He added: ‘He’s passionate about Aston Villa, too. Wherever he is, he’ll sit down and watch that game.’
One of the punters at The London and North Western was Daniel Jones, a sixth form college student from Burntwood in Staffordshire.
‘He was a lovely guy,’ the 18-year-old said. ‘Proper down to earth and he loves Villa and the passion we all share.
Earlier at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre Prince William was sent best wishes for his wife, Catherine, as he chatted to paramedics about issues including training, drones and hospital waiting times.
When he arrived at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre and greeted his hosts, he said: ‘I’ll be watching the game and keeping an eye on what’s going on.’
Taking to the stage, the prince made another reference to the game, saying: ‘It’s great to be back in Birmingham, and for any fellow Villa fans with us today – I look forward to celebrating our win over Everton later…
Prince William looked dapper in a black slim-fit coat and opted for a smart matching black suit, a crisp white shirt, a navy blue tie and brown suede loafers
They both pumped their fists in joy following Cole Palmer’s exquisite equaliser in the 73rd minute
Turning to his new role he said: ‘I am so pleased to be standing here as the College of Paramedics’ new Patron and to have the opportunity to join your first ever Emergency and Critical Care conference.
‘Often referred to as the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of frontline healthcare, paramedics and those in the emergency services are adaptable, multi-skilled and crucially, know how to work under pressure.
‘This pressure is something I was all too familiar with during my time as a pilot for RAF Search and Rescue and for the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
‘My time in these roles allowed me to better understand the day-to-day challenges that you all face and gave me the lifelong motivation to do all I can to support your community. It is not just another job.
‘Every day provides unpredictable challenges. Every shout is a journey into the unknown. Every split second decision, has immeasurable impact on so many people.’
