The Duke of Cambridge was back at Wembley hoping his beloved Villans can go one step further than last season, when they lost to Fulham
ASTON VILLA fan Prince William endured an emotional afternoon with John Carew during the Championship playoff final against Derby.
In the most-lucrative match in world football - with £180million and a spot in the Premier League at stake - Villa were taking on the Rams at Wembley.
And, as he was a year ago during the heartbreaking defeat against Fulham, the Duke of Cambridge was cheering his side on all the way.
Sitting alongside was his unlikely pal - former Villa striker-turned-actor Carew - the Royal erupted after Anwar El Ghazi used his back to give the Midlanders the lead.
Wills leapt to his feet and clutched Carew tightly as Dean Smith's side went into half-time with the edge.
It was a similar story 15 minutes into the second-half too, as a howler from Derby goalkeeper Kelle Roos allowed John McGinn to double the lead.
But a Derby goal with ten minutes to go left the future king with his head in his hands, desperately watching the clock run down.
But after the heartbreak of 2018, Villa finally broke back into the Premier League for the first time since 2015-16.
While the players celebrated on the pitch, Prince William and Carew went wild in the stands.
The hulking, 6ft 5in Norwegian striker was loved in the Holte End for his goals, brilliant celebrations, charity work and hospital visits.
The Norwegian was first spotted alongside royalty in April last year, sitting with William and celebrating a goal together in the box at Villa Park.
Speaking on their unlikely friendship, Carew explained on Soccer AM: "He was in Norway a few months ago and I got invited to a royal dinner at the castle with other ambassadors of sport.
"I did well in my home country, you know!
"He’s a big football enthusiast. We spoke about football a lot, mainly Villa because he’s a huge Aston Villa fan.
"We decided to go and support our team before the end of the season. He invited me to join and it was a great honour.
"He’s very enthusiastic and he really loves his football.
"I’m proud because I’m a Villan and so it was good to watch the game together."
