By MARIA CHIORANDO FOR MAILONLINE
Published: 13:01 EDT, 17 May 2025 | Updated: 13:01 EDT, 17 May 2025
Prince William took to the pitch ahead of the FA Cup Final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday afternoon.
The Prince of Wales, 42, went to the event in his capacity of patron of the Football Association.
Father-of-three William was snapped shaking hands with the players as he chatted with them - including Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace.
Other members of the clubs, including City's manager Pep Guardiola, looked delighted as they spoke with William.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner also appeared pleased to be talking with the royal football fan.
Before making his way onto the pitch, the royal was spotted greeting Manchester City and England player Jack Grealish.
The two seemed very friendly as they gave each other a thumbs up before sharing a hug.
Unlike last year, the heir was not accompanied by his eldest son George, 11, and instead watched the game alone.
Prince William appeared somewhat serious as he took to the pitch ahead of the FA Cup final clash between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at Wembley on Saturday
Royal watchers who tuned into 2024 clash between the eventual winners Manchester United and their longtime rivals Manchester City, were delighted when they saw the youngster looking the double of his father.
William and George donned matching ensembles, both looking dapper in their navy suits, white shirts and striped ties.
As well as watching the match, Prince George also met some very familiar faces from the football world - including former manager Sir Alex Ferguson and City
This year, Manchester City secured their place in the final after beating Nottingham Forest 2-0 in their semi-final match last month.
The royal appeared serious in photographs taken before the match - perhaps because his favourite team had narrowly missed out on a place in the final - Crystal Palace beat Aston Villa 3-0 in their semi-final.
However, this did not stop him from engaging with players from the two teams, at one point before kick-off, he was seen looking deep in conversation with Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace.
The royal, who attended the match alone this year (in 2024, he was accompanied by Prince George) shook hands with the players before kick-off (pictured shaking hands with Erling Haaland of Manchester City)
Prince William shakes hands with Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace ahead of the match at Wembley on Saturday
The Prince of Wales (pictured, right) appeared to be enjoying a conversation with Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace (pictured, left)
Manchester City's manager Pep Guardiola (pictured, right) looked delighted to be chatting with the royal (pictured, left) ahead of the match
Because the Prince of Wales was attending the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City at the end of April, he did not witness the defeat in person.
Prince William has supported Aston Villa since he was at school, and Prince George is also a huge fan of the club.
Villa's loss in the FA Cup semi final is not the only heartbreak the football loving father and son duo have endured recently.
Just weeks earlier, their team were knocked out of the Champions League.
These losses meant that within a matter of weeks, Aston Villa's hopes of winning their first trophy since 1996, were dashed.
However, all is not yet lost, as they could yet win a place in next season's Champions League before the end of the season.
Prince William has been involved with the FA for many years - becoming its president in 2006.
Last Summer, he became patron of the organisation - a role previously held by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Prince William is photographed with Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner before kick off on Saturday
William is seen clapping while watching the opening ceremony of the final match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City on Saturday
Prince William (pictured) became president of the FA in 2006, and patron last Summer
The heir (pictured) took over the role from the late Queen Elizabeth II
Among the royal's duties as patron of the FA, he hands out the trophy to the winner of the tournament
Unfortunately for Aston Villa fan Prince William, his team was knocked out of the tournament in the semi-finals (pictured while attending the FA Cup Final on Saturday)
As patron, he plays a crucial role following the final clash - handing over the trophy to the winning side, something he had also done as president.
As well as going to Wembley for the FA Cup final, the prince also regularly attends England matches and FA Cup finals.
Speaking about his love of Villa to the BBC's Gary Lineker in May 2015, William 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.'