Football fans have often wondered on just which teams members of the Royal Family support, but there won’t be many who can guess the identity of the club that King Charles III roots for
King Charles, then Prince of Wales, poses with former Burnley Chairman Barry Kilby (L) while holding the club’s football shirt in 2010(Image: 2010 Getty Images)
King Charles III, although not widely known for his football fandom, is actually a supporter of Premier League newcomers Burnley. The Royal Family’s football allegiances have always been a topic of speculation.
The late Queen Elizabeth II’s preferred team was never definitively known, but whispers suggested she favoured either Arsenal or West Ham United.
Prince William, an ardent Aston Villa fan, is well-known for his love of the sport and has even taken his son, Prince George, to watch Villa and England matches. Prince Harry’s allegiance is rumoured to be with Arsenal, though this remains uncertain.
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However, King Charles has made no secret of his support. At a Windsor Castle reception 11 years ago, he surprised attendees by revealing his backing for Burnley, rather than one of the traditional ‘bigger’ teams.
Speaking at a British Asian Trust event, Charles shared his admiration for Scott Parker’s team. He told the audience: “A consortium of my charities, including the British Asian Trust, has been working in Burnley.”
He continued: “Hence, some of you asked this evening whether I support a British football club and I said, ‘Yes – Burnley.’ And people have responded, ‘Burnley?’ Oh yes, because Burnley has been through some very challenging times and I’m trying to find ways of helping to regenerate and raise aspirations and self-esteem in that part of the world.”
King Charles III had a Burnley pin badge on his lapel in 2010(Image: 2010 Getty Images)
His Majesty has previously visited Burnley’s Turf Moor ground and was gifted a jersey bearing ‘HRH 1’ on the reverse. During that visit, he was spotted sporting a Burnley pin badge on his lapel, reports Aberdeen Live.
Speculation persists that he possesses his own VIP season ticket at Turf Moor, though this remains unconfirmed. Nevertheless, he reinforced his affection for the club this year.
The King toured aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales in March, where one crew member revealed their football-based chat with the Monarch. Able Seaman Marc Rutherford encountered the King on the bridge and said afterwards: “He was funny and I was surprised he would support a team like Burnley – Newcastle would be much better.”
Prince William is one of Aston Villa’s most prominent supporters(Image: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
The Prince of Wales has similarly expressed his passion for his beloved Villa throughout the years, with William frequently seen supporting Unai Emery’s side both home and away.
In a 2015 BBC interview, William revealed his reasoning behind choosing Villa. “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,” he said.
“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 vs Aston Villa back in 2000. Sadly, Villa went on to lose to Chelsea.”
Burnley are making their Premier League return this season, kicking off their campaign against Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday (3pm). Meanwhile, Villa will be hosting Newcastle United in an early kick-off at 12:30pm, also on Saturday.
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