He said: “A long time ago at school I got into football big time. I was looking around for clubs. All my friends at school were either Man United fans or Chelsea fans and I didn’t want to follow the run of the mill teams.

“I wanted to have a team that was more mid-table that could give me more emotional rollercoaster moments.

“Aston Villa’s always had a great history. I have got friends of mine who support Aston Villa and one of the first FA Cup games I went to was Bolton v Aston Villa back in 2000. Sadly, Villa went on to lose to Chelsea.

“It was fantastic, I sat with all the fans with my red beanie on, and I was sat with all the Brummie fans and had a great time. It was the atmosphere, the camaraderie and I really felt that there was something I could connect with.”

The Prince of Wales also noted that he was born in 1982, the same year Villa won the European Cup, giving him another sweet connection to the club.

This week William took to social media to congratulate Lioness footballer Rachel Daly on her “unforgettable” career as she announced her retirement from international football.

The Prince still managed to joke that now she would have more time to focus on his beloved team, where she plays as a forward. He wrote: “Thank you for so many unforgettable performances with Lionesses, Rachel Daly. Plenty more goals for Villa now! W.”

Ms Daly shared: “I would love nothing more to play for England for ever but the time has come for me to hang my boots up on the international stage.

“While today is an extremely difficult day for me, it’s also one filled with reflection and immense gratitude. Playing for and representing England has been a privilege.”