The Prince of Wales – a devoted Aston Villa fan – is celebrating his 20th anniversary as President and Patron of the Football Association

Prince William at FA Cup final

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Prince William at FA Cup final(Image: The FA via Getty Images)

Football fan Prince William has met the players at Wembley ahead of the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City.

The Prince of Wales – a devoted Aston Villa fan – is celebrating his 20th anniversary as President and Patron of the Football Association (FA). Prior to kick-off, the prince could be seen in the tunnel with both sets of players, before formally meeting them and the officials on the pitch. He will also present the trophy to the winners at full time.

Earlier this week William received a special gift to mark his 20th anniversary as President of the FA. He took over the position in 2006 from his uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

The Prince of Wales with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola

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The Prince of Wales with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola(Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

He visited England boss Thomas Tuchel and his backroom staff at St George’s Park to meet the “team behind the team” supporting England’s World Cup campaign. William was presented with an England shirt with the number 20 on the back, commemorating his 20 years of dedication. England kick off their World Cup on June 17 against Croatia, in Texas.

Also spotted in the stands was Oasis legend – and massive Man City fan – Noel Gallagher. City entered today’s final as firm favourites, looking to complete a domestic cup double. Manager Pep Guardiola has already lifted it six times since arriving in Manchester 10 years ago. Meanwhile, Chelsea are playing in the final under their third boss of the year Calum McFarlane, after both Enzo Maresca and then Liam Rosenior, left the club.

Massive City fan Noel Gallagher at FA Cup final

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Massive City fan Noel Gallagher at FA Cup final(Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

Previously, the future King has brought his eldest son, Prince George, to football games, with the pair watching the FA Cup final together in 2024. The last time the pair went to a game together was back in January, when they cheered on Aston Villa during their match against FC Salzburg in Birmingham.

A supporter of Aston Villa since his school days, William previously told Prince George he could support any club other than Chelsea before making a U-turn. Back in 2019, Prince William appeared on the BBC’s A Berry Royal Christmas where he was asked about his eldest son’s growing love of football.

“I try not to be too biased, I said you can support anyone but Chelsea, so naturally he supports Chelsea,” he said. But speaking to TNT Sports at aston Villa’s Champions League quarter-final tie away at Paris-Saint Germain last season, he changed his tune.

“I’m genuinely open to whoever they support,” he said. “I’m a bit biased but also they come to Villa games so they’re probably going to support Villa. I’ve left the other two at home tonight so we’ll wait and see who they support.”

There had previously been some softening of his stance during Frank Lampard’s first stint as manager in 2020, saying on That Peter Crouch podcast: “It’s about finding what fits for him. Previously, I was a bit concerned about him supporting Chelsea, but now Frank’s come in, I feel the culture’s a bit different at Chelsea and I’d be okay with it.

“I do like the values and the ethos of the clubs. I want them to look after the players and set a good example to young fans. I want our children, when they go to the match, to come away loving what they’ve seen, enjoying it and seeing their role models behave in a way that we’d all want them to.”