Which Football Teams Do the Royals Follow?
The British royal family, known for their public service, philanthropy, and ceremonial roles, also shares a passion for sports - especially football (soccer).
While they maintain a traditionally neutral stance on many issues, several members of the royal family have well-known football allegiances.
Let’s take a look at which football teams some of the royals reportedly support, adding a bit of fun and personality to their public personas.
Prince William - Aston Villa
Arguably the most vocal football fan in the royal family, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, is a lifelong supporter of Aston Villa, a club based in Birmingham.
His love for the club has been well-documented over the years. He has attended several Villa matches and even brought his family to watch games, including the 2019 FA Cup Final.
In interviews, Prince William has explained that his choice of Aston Villa was a deliberate one. Incidentally, his favourite side is among the favourites to finish in the top four at the end of this Premier League campaign at many sports betting sites.
As a child, he didn’t want to follow a team like Manchester United or Chelsea, which were very successful at the time, preferring instead to back a club that would offer more emotional highs and lows.
Aston Villa’s historical significance and passionate fan base attracted him, and he has been a loyal supporter ever since.
Prince William’s involvement with football goes beyond just fandom. He has served as the President of the Football Association (FA) since 2006, promoting grassroots football, mental health awareness in the sport, and encouraging greater inclusivity.
Prince Harry - Arsenal
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has a long-standing association with Arsenal FC. While he hasn’t been as publicly vocal about his support as his brother William, he has been seen attending Arsenal matches and engaging with the club’s activities.
His connection with Arsenal is believed to have been influenced by his close friends who are fans, as well as the club’s London location.
Harry’s relationship with football extends beyond just cheering from the stands. Much like his brother, he has used his platform to promote sporting causes, including projects that focus on using sport to rehabilitate injured soldiers and veterans.
Arsenal, known for its strong community engagement, is a fitting match for Harry’s philanthropic spirit.
King Charles III – Burnley
King Charles III has been reported to have a soft spot for Burnley FC, a club based in Lancashire. This affiliation may seem surprising given the King’s aristocratic upbringing, but his connection with Burnley is thought to stem from his work with the town and its people.
Charles, as the Prince of Wales, was deeply involved with regeneration projects in Burnley, and his appreciation for the area reportedly extended to its football team.
Although not an ardent football fan compared to his sons, King Charles has often expressed his admiration for Burnley and their determination to stay competitive in the Premier League despite being a smaller club.
His respect for the team is seen as a reflection of his broader connection to the working-class communities that football represents in many parts of the UK.
Princess Charlotte – Aston Villa
It seems that Princess Charlotte, Prince William’s daughter, may be following in her father’s footsteps when it comes to football loyalties.
In a delightful public moment, Prince William revealed that Charlotte is also a fan of Aston Villa, indicating that his passion for the club is being passed down to the next generation of royals.
During a 2019 appearance on BBC’s "A Berry Royal Christmas," William mentioned that his children enjoy football, and Charlotte specifically favours Aston Villa.
Although she’s still young, it’s clear that the future of royal football fandom is in safe hands.
Other Royals and Football Connections
Other members of the royal family, like Princess Anne and Prince Edward, are not as publicly involved in football as their younger relatives.
Princess Anne, known for her love of equestrian sports, does not seem to have a publicly declared football team, and Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, hasn’t shown a particular allegiance to any club either.
Similarly, Queen Elizabeth II was famously private about her personal preferences, though rumours circulated for years about her possible support for West Ham United.
However, these claims have never been officially confirmed, and the Queen remained discreet about her views on football during her reign.
