William & George cheer on beloved Aston Villa in pair’s first public outing since mum Kate shared her cancer diagnosis
PRINCE William and Prince George have been cheering on Aston Villa’s opening goal in their first public appearance since Kate shared her cancer diagnosis.
The father and son duo were seen celebrating Unai Emery’s side after Ollie Watkins scored the first goal in their clash against Lille at Villa Park tonight.
Prince George stepped out in his claret and blue Aston Villa scarf and beamed as he stood beside his proud dad.
The 10-year-old has followed in Prince William’s footsteps and is a keen Aston Villa fan.
The pair chatted and laughed with each other as they watched the match intensely from their seats.
It comes after William enjoyed a “low key” pub visit with mum-in-law Carole Middleton at the weekend.
The Prince of Wales was allegedly seen popping into a pub in Norfolk during the family’s Easter break at Anmer Hall.
It comes after Princess Kate revealed her cancer announcement in a touching video message last month.
The royal mum-of-three, 42, shared the “huge shock” but vowed she is “getting stronger everyday” and chose to delay releasing the information to protect her children.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, had already broken up from school and were with their parents when the video was posted.
Sun editor Victoria Newton told BBC1’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: “It was actually, I understand, that the Princess made the decision two weeks ago that she was going to do this public statement.
“The key thing for her as a mother, the priority was protecting those three children.
“She didn’t want them going to school, being asked even more than they already were.”
Husband William has been a pillar of support for Kate amid the shocking news.
He took a step back from royal duties to stay by his wife’s side and keep everything as normal as possible for the children.
King Charles has also rallied around his daughter-in-law as someone who can understand what she’s going through following his own cancer diagnosis.
Meanwhile Queen Camilla too is said to be regularly checking in with the princess.
Camilla has also been Charles’ “rock” following his diagnosis and wants to be as supportive for Kate.
The Queen has continued to carry out all of her royal duties and attended many events by herself after urging Charles to slow down.
Meanwhile, Charles was recently spotted jetting to Scotland for a quick break before he returns to public life after more cancer treatment.
His Majesty, 75, carried a suit bag and official government papers as he and Queen Camilla disembarked their private plane.
INGRID SEWARD: Prince William is a pillar of strength for Kate
STEADFAST when his family needed him, William has proved himself as a man and future monarch of strength and compassion.
While he might not have been present during Kate’s courageous video address on Friday — make no mistake, he has been by her side every step of the way.
William has stepped up with school run duties and provided a “great source of comfort and reassurance” to his wife.
But he has also been a comforting and reassuring presence for the public.
From leading members of the Royal Family at the Commonwealth Day Service to enjoying cheerful banter with youngsters on a youth centre visit, he hasn’t put a foot wrong.
Just this week he visited Sheffield to highlight his Homewards project to end homelessness in the UK.
Even then there were few chinks in his facade — but Kate was clearly on his mind.
“She needs to be sat here to hear this,” he smiled, when the discussion turned to the challenges of young families.
But ultimately he is only human.
To have your father and your wife diagnosed with cancer within such quick succession is heart-shattering.
It’s a remarkable insight into the character of this young man that he has been so incredibly brave.
Theirs is a very private turmoil which has been brought into the public arena by nature of their roles as future King and Queen.
William must feel the weight of enormous responsibility, both personally and for the monarchy, of which he is now the public face.
But he knows his most important role is that of dad and husband.
He will make that his priority.
This is a distinct difference from the ways of the past, where your royal role came before the role of spouse and parent.
Think back to when the Queen was young.
WILLS’ PRIORITY
It was a man’s world then — and she was forced to abandon her children in a way that William is determined not to.
William and Kate waited until the school term was over and their children were home before making their public announcement.
They needed to be prepared.
In this, they will have had the wholehearted support of Charles — who knows what it feels like to be brought up by nannies.
William was also acutely aware of the lack of his own father’s presence in his life, especially when things went wrong.
In 1991, he was accidentally hit over the head with a golf club when he was at school and Diana was having lunch in her favourite restaurant San Lorenzo.
The call came through that William had been bashed on the head and they thought he might die so it was very serious.
Both Charles and Diana rushed down to Ludgrove.
William was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and then to Great Ormond Street Hospital and Diana went with him.
But ever a man of duty, Charles prioritised his engagements.
William is determined to do things differently.
