Prince William and Prince George bond at soccer game amid Kate Middleton’s cancer battle
It’s a father-son night out.
Prince William and Prince George were spotted attending Aston Villa’s UEFA Europa Conference League 2023/24 Quarter-final first leg match against Lille OSC at Aston, Birmingham’s Villa Park Thursday night as Kate Middleton undergoes chemotherapy for cancer.
The pair seemed upbeat as they chatted while TNT Sport’s live coverage panned to them in the stands. They were also filmed enthusiastically clapping after Aston’s Ollie Watkins scored the night’s first goal.
William, 41, and George, 10, dressed formally for the night, seemingly wearing button-down shirts under sweaters. George also sported an Aston Villa scarf.
The father-son duo were photographed standing up and cheering after Aston took a 1-0 lead against Lille OSC. Getty Images
They wore smart clothing, and George sported an Aston scarf. TNT SPORTS 3/X
The Prince of Wales serves as the president of the Football Association in England. TNT SPORTS 3/X
The Prince of Wales is a longtime soccer fan and even serves as the president of the English Football Association. He previously explained why he’s a loyal supporter of Aston, despite there being more popular football clubs.
“A long time ago at school, I got into football big time. All my friends were Chelsea or Manchester United fans, and I didn’t really want to follow the run-of-the-mill team,” he said, according to the Sun.
“I wanted to have a team that was more mid-table that could give me more emotional rollercoaster moments. Aston Villa has always had a great history.”
The father-son outing came less than three weeks after Kate Middleton announced her cancer diagnosis. BBC Studios
She revealed the cancer was found after she underwent abdominal surgery in January. BBC Studios
William and George’s attendance at Thursday evening’s game — which ended in a win for Aston Villa — came less than three weeks after Middleton announced her cancer diagnosis.
During her announcement video, she revealed she was in the “early stages” of “preventative chemotherapy” after undergoing abdominal surgery in January.
Middleton, 42, also noted that she was most concerned about navigating the new journey in life with her kids.
During her cancer announcement video, she revealed she was in the “early stages” of “preventative chemotherapy.” UK Press via Getty Images
She also said she was most concerned about handling the sensitive subject with her kids. Prince of Wales/Kensington Palac / MEGA
“It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them and to reassure them that I am going to be OK,” she explained.
“As I have said to them, I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that
will help me heal, in my mind, body and spirits.”
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George is the eldest child of William and Middleton. Their daughter, Charlotte, is 8, while their youngest son, Prince Louis, is 5.
In addition to Prince George, William and Middleton share a daughter Charlotte and a son Louis. Getty Images
They have been married since 2011. Chris Jackson-Getty/POOL supplied by Splash News / SplashNews.com
The Princess of Wales’ announcement came just weeks after her father-in-law, King Charles, revealed his cancer diagnosis.
Both have taken a step back from their public duties as they focus on their health.
Kensington Palace, however, confirmed Middleton has been working behind the scenes on her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood’s Shaping Us campaign from home in Windsor.
