Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.Photo: CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty
Prince Williamis thinking of others while he mournsQueen Elizabeth II.
The Prince of Wales, 40, sent a message of support to hisfavorite English soccer teamlast week while preparing for thelate monarch’s funeralon Monday, the team coach has revealed.
“He messaged in the week, to the club,” Steven Gerrard, manager of Aston Villa Football Club said Friday, reported theBBC.
“That shows everything about what he thinks of this club,” Gerrard added about William, who is a lifelong supporter of the team and frequently attends games at the club’s Villa Park stadium in Birmingham, England – withKate Middleton,Prince GeorgeandPrincess Charlottesometimesjoining himin the stands.
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“It was along the lines of ‘would love to be there,'” continued Gerrard about the Prince’s message.
Prince George, Prince William, Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte at Aston Villa game.Stephen Pond/Getty Images
William’s message of support came ahead of Aston Villa’s Friday night game against Southampton, which they won 1-0. Before kick-off, the crowd observed a minute’s silence in honor of the Queen. All of the stadium floodlights were also turned off during the silence, apart from a single spotlight.
At the 70-minute mark of the game, supporters from both teams also broke into applause to honor the length of Elizabeth’srecord-breaking reign.
“It certainly took me aback,” Gerrard added about William’s message, reported the BBC. “He is very much involved in Villa. For him to message in the situation he is in is really impressive.
“For us to reward that with a result and clean sheet, I’m sure he will be proud,” Gerrard continued.
Prince George with his parents William and Kate at an England soccer game.Eamonn McCormack - UEFA/UEFA via Getty
“He is consistently in touch. He is very supportive of the boys individually. It’s really impressive, his knowledge and how much he is into it.”
Prince Williamis the president of England soccer’s governing body the Football Association.
Prince William and soccer player John Carew.BPI/REX/Shutterstock
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The previous month William also told the Lionesses thatPrincess Charlotteis a"budding star” in soccerduring a pre-tournament training session.
“Charlotte wanted me to tell you that she is really good at goal,” William said, according toHello!“She said, ‘Please tell them that.'”
source: people.com