What football team does Prince William support and why is he President of the FA?

Prince William is an avid football fan and active member of the football association. He's often spotted with his family, enjoying the match, and has encouraged daughter Princess Charlotte to take an interest in the sport. 

Prince William has made his love of football clear this week. The Duke of Cambridge cheered on the Lionesses before their victory with daughter Princess Charlotte and Prince William sent a heartfelt message of congratulations to the Lionesses after the big win, saying "the whole nation couldn’t be prouder of you all. Wonderful to see history in the making tonight at Wembley". 

In 2006, Prince William became President of the FA and regularly attends England games and FA Cup finals. But which team does William himself support? And how did he become so involved in football and President of the FA?

Which football team does Prince William support?

Prince William is very clear on which football team he supports - he's a huge Aston Villa fan! Prince William is the most active football fan in the royal family, according to goal.com and has attended multiple games since he was a child. 

By contrast, Prince Harry isn't as open about which team he supports, however when carrying out charity work with local children at the New Zealand government house in Wellington a few years back he was quoted saying "most of the royal family are Arsenal fans" (as reported by goal.com), which could perhaps be a leaning towards his own preference.

The Queen also congratulated the Lionesses after their victory at Euro 2022 and generally takes a keen interest in sport, in particular, her beloved horse racing. However it's unclear which team she actually supports, with speculation referring to a number of different teams throughout the years. According to goal.com, the most recent rumor is that Her Majesty is a West Ham fan.

Why is Prince William President of the FA?

The President of the Football Association (FA) is typically a member of the Royal Family and Prince William took on the honor in 2006, taking over from the Duke of York, who was in the role from 2000 - 2006.

The FA has always had a figurehead president and this figurehead has been a member of the Royal Family since 1939. Prince William, with his keen interest in football seems like a natural choice.

By contrast, the Chairman of the FA (currently Debbie Hewitt) has responsibility for policy and is traditionally a member of the FA who has risen through the ranks of the committee structure.

The FA has a figurehead President, who since 1939 has always been a member of the British royal family. The Chairman of the FA has overall responsibility for policy. Traditionally this person rose through the ranks of the FA's committee structure (e.g. by holding posts such as the chairmanship of a county football association). 

Formed in 1863, the Football Association is the oldest football association in the world and oversees all aspects of amateur and professional football.