Prince of Wales celebrates as Aston Villa makes history by qualifying for the Champions League

A historic moment for Aston Villa, the Premier League team, has qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time.

The achievement has been met with widespread celebration, not least from their most famous fan, Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge.

Prince William, a lifelong fan of Aston Villa, has been seen at several matches this season at Villa Park in Birmingham.

His passion for the club is well-known, he adopted Aston Villa as his football team when he was a boy at Eton because he wanted a team “that could give him the emotional rollercoaster” .

He often shares this love of the game with his son, Prince George.

Following Aston Villa's qualification for the Champions League, Prince William took to social media platform X , to pass on his congratulations to Aston Villa.

In a message from the Kensington Royal account, he wrote: "We are Champions League! A historic season and an amazing achievement. Thanks to Unai, the whole squad and everyone at @AVFCOfficial. Can’t wait for next season. #UTV!”.

‘A Historic Season’

The qualification came after Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. This meant that it was mathematically impossible for Tottenham to catch Villa, securing Villa's place in the top four.

Aston Villa's boss, Unai Emery, has been widely praised for guiding the club to the UEFA Champions League. Prince William also thanked Emery in his celebratory tweet.

A new chapter in marked Aston Villa's history. The club hasn't reached UEFA's premier club competition since it rebranded from the European Cup in 1991/92. Their last appearance in that competition came 41 years ago in 1982/83, having lifted the trophy the year before.