Prince William Admits He Has a Secret Online Habit: "I Get Quite Into It"
"I can be on there for ages."


Whether it's cheering on his beloved Aston Villa, serving as patron of the Football Association or supporting organizations that help people get into the sport, Prince William's passion for football (or soccer, if you're American) is second to none. The heir to the throne recently showed off his love for Aston Villa when the team won the Champions League on Wednesday, March 12, and in an interview with the Sun, he revealed some surprising—and hilarious—habits when it comes to the game.
It turns out plenty of Villa fans have actually interacted with the Prince of Wales in online forums without knowing it, as the prince admitted he posts anonymously on fan sites.
"I like going on the forums, I can be on there for ages," the Prince of Wales told the outlet. "I listen to what other fans have to say and give them my opinions. I get quite into it, definitely. It’s important to have that debate." Of course, he didn't reveal his undercover username, but knowing the future King is chatting away on Aston Villa sites at home isn't something most royal (or football fans) had on their 2025 bingo cards.
Prince William attended the March 12 championship match at Villa Park with some of his closest friends, including Princess Charlotte's godfather Thomas van Straubenzee and longtime pal Edward van Cutsem. The group was definitely in a celebratory mood, with photos showing off their jubilant celebrations (at one point, William is seen wiping van Cutsem's face after he spilled his drink).
The Prince of Wales gave a thumbs-up during the March 12 Aston Villa match.
Prince William joined friends to cheer for their team.
Despite not living anywhere close to Birmingham, Prince William has become quite the Aston Villa fan over the years, something he chalked up to a game he attended as a child. "I had some family friends who took me to my first Villa game when I was younger because they are big Villa fans," he told the Sun.
"With the camaraderie among the fans and the chanting and the singing, I just felt like I belonged there." The Prince of Wales admitted that his interest didn't become quite as intense until 2016, however.
"I kept an eye on Villa from then on but didn’t get too involved initially," he shared. "But Villa being relegated to the Championship in 2016 got me even more interested, strangely."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
When it comes to watching the games at home, the Prince of Wales shared one of his superstitious habits. "If I’m home alone with the children, I probably don’t have the pre-match pint but I do have a bit of superstition about where I sit when I’m watching them," the father of three said.
In fact, Prince William—who has brought his kids to numerous football matches over the years—will go as far as to change where Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are sitting if Aston Villa is losing. "If we’re not doing very well, I start moving round the house quite quickly and I put the children in different positions hoping that’s going to change our luck," he admitted.
Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.
Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.
Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.
-
Gigi Hadid's Quick-Change Combines at Least Four Spring Trends
The supermodel somehow managed to wear leather, sequins, pinstripes, PVC, and chiffon in the same day.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Hailey Bieber Reverses Her Stance on Wearing Pants
She's suddenly on board with an editor essential.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
19 Costume Changes, 6 LED Screens, and Lucky Blue Smith Inspo: How Sarah Snook Transforms Over and Over on Broadway
In 'The Picture of Dorian Gray,' the actress plays over two dozen gender-bending characters; scenic and costume designer Marg Horwell shares how her looks come to life.
By Esther Zuckerman Published
-
Prince William Could be Getting a New Title Very Soon Following Exciting News
The Prince of Wales would be taking on a very important role.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Has a Surprising Claim to Fame After Claiming He's "Broken the Record" for This Activity
The Prince of Wales brought major dad energy to a Football Association event.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Is Heading to This Country for the First Time—But Princess Kate Won't be Joining Him
The visit is "off the table" for the Princess of Wales.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Discusses "Terrifying" Volunteering Experience at a Mental Health Helpline
"Some of those conversations lived with me for quite a long time afterwards."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
What Prince William's "Very Sad" Childhood Plea Reveals About His Parenting Style
Royal photographer Arthur Edwards shared a heartbreaking story about the future King in a new documentary.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William and Princess Kate Aim for "Normalizing Experiences" So Their Kids Don't Think They're "Elevated"
The princess is integrating her "Middleton upbringing and her family values."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Why Prince William Told a Young Fan "I'm Going to Get You in Trouble" at a Recent Event
"Go on, give me a hug."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Queen Camilla Will Be "Emotional" at a Forthcoming Event With Kate Middleton, Says Royal Expert
"It will be one of the most important days in the royal calendar this year."
By Amy Mackelden Published