Prince William celebrates Aston Villa’s opening goal against Lille with Prince George at Villa Park – as duo watch Europa Conference League quarter-final tie amid backdrop of Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnosis battle

Prince William and Prince George were seen celebrating Aston Villa’s opening goal against Lille at Villa Park on Thursday night.

The pair were spotted on TNT Sport’s live coverage of the match standing up and applauding Unai Emery’s side after Ollie Watkins put the hosts 1-0 up after 13 minutes.

Prince George was also seen wearing a claret and blue Aston Villa scarf and smiled as he stood next to his father. William, who is an avid Aston Villa fan, turned and appeared to say a few words to his son as they stood in the terraces.

In March, the Princess of Wales announced that she is in the early stages of treatment following a cancer diagnosis.

Kate Middleton, 42, announced the news in an emotional video which was filmed at Windsor Castle, stating that the news had come as a ‘huge shock’.

Prince William and Prince George were seen celebrating Aston Villa’s opening goal vs Lille

William, who is an avid Aston Villa fan turned and appeared to say a few words to his son
She added that she and William ‘have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.’

It came after it was announced in February that King Charles III was also undergoing treatment for cancer.

The Princess also stated that it had been an ‘incredibly tough couple of months’ for her and her family but said she was ‘well and getting stronger every day’.

Earlier this week, the Kensington Palace had posted thank you cards to members of the public who had sent their well wishes to the Princess following the announcement.

The family have been keeping a low profile in recent weeks, but spent the Easter holidays with their children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five.

William has not been seen publicly since his wife’s announcement and is not expected to pick up his public duties until his children return to school.

Prince George was seen wearing a claret and blue Aston Villa scarf and smiled after the goal
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Prince George was seen wearing a claret and blue Aston Villa scarf and smiled after the goal

Ollie Watkins arrived at the back post to nod John McGinn’s corner in to give Villa a 1-0 lead
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Ollie Watkins arrived at the back post to nod John McGinn’s corner in to give Villa a 1-0 lead

Kate, 42, has been inundated with messages from royal fans wishing for her recovery
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Kate, 42, has been inundated with messages from royal fans wishing for her recovery

One woman shared an image of the card she was sent by Kensington Palace
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One woman shared an image of the card she was sent by Kensington Palace

Earlier this week, he was allegedly spotted on a ‘low key’ outing in Norfolk with his mother-in-law, Carole Middleton, while his wife apparently stayed at home.

Carloe was said to have been staying with the couple over Easter, and had reportedly been supporting her daughter through her recovery at her home in Windsor.

William broke his silence on Social media yesterday for the first time since his wife announced she was receiving treatment for a cancer diagnosis, paying tribute to England Lioness Rachel Daly after she announced her retirement.

Praising the player in his Stories, William wrote: ‘Thank you for so many unforgettable performances with @Lionesses, @racheldaly3. Plenty more goals for Villa now!’ He signed off with the letter ‘W’, to indicate the personal nature of the post.

The heir to the British throne has long been a passionate supporter of Villa – and has even brought his son Prince George along to games at Villa Park (pictured in March 2023)
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The heir to the British throne has long been a passionate supporter of Villa – and has even brought his son Prince George along to games at Villa Park (pictured in March 2023)

Kate (pictured with Princess Charlotte on Christmas Day 2023), 42, announced via an emotional video message at the end of March that she is in the early stages of treatment after a cancer diagnosis

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Kate (pictured with Princess Charlotte on Christmas Day 2023), 42, announced via an emotional video message at the end of March that she is in the early stages of treatment after a cancer diagnosis

Prince William , 41, shared a personal message this afternoon to the official Instagram account he shares with the Princess of Wales
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Prince William , 41, shared a personal message this afternoon to the official Instagram account he shares with the Princess of Wales

Keen football fan William, who supports the Birmingham-based team, became President of the FA in 2006 and regularly attends England games and FA Cup finals. Pictured, the Prince and Princess of Wales in November 2023
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Keen football fan William, who supports the Birmingham-based team, became President of the FA in 2006 and regularly attends England games and FA Cup finals. Pictured, the Prince and Princess of Wales in November 2023

On Thursday, Aston Villa went on to seal a 2-1 victory against Lille after John McGinn whipped in an excellent corner to the far post which Watkins headed in.

It was the Villa forward’s 25th goal of the season, with his captain McGinn getting on the scoresheet himself in the second half to make it 2-0.

Lille would pull a goal back late on through Bafode Diakite, but the Villans would ultimately see out the remainder of the match 2-1.