
Prince William tucks away penalty as he launches football charity partnership
PENALTY KING Prince William tucks away penalty as he launches football charity partnership
PRINCE William strokes in a penalty at the second attempt as he launches a football partnership yesterday.
The future king, 42, saw his first spot kick saved by the goalie but wheeled away in triumph after his next go.
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Prince William scored a penalty as he launched a football partnership
Credit: Getty
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One royal fan presented Aston Villa fan William with a pennant artwork
Credit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
He chatted to players at Street Soccer Scotland in Leith, Edinburgh.
One royal fan presented Aston Villa fan William with a pennant artwork from a royal fan.
The Prince of Wales told them how son Louis, seven, has divided football loyalties, laughing: 'At the moment he says he supports five different teams.'
The Wales's Royal Foundation aims to strengthen social connections through the sport.
A Palace spokesman said: 'The Prince and Princess want to leave a lasting impact and legacy.'
Today Princess Kate will christen HMS Glasgow at a Clyde dockyard by releasing a bottle of whisky against the hull.
Earlier in the month, William spoke of falling in love with Aston Villa after being taken to a match by friends as a boy.
The heir said he was gripped by the 'sense of belonging' and the passion of his fellow football fans.
Wills also revealed he visits fan forums anonymously online — and moves his kids around when watching at home to bring the team luck.
But how did he become a Villa fan, seeing as he had no obvious connection with the Midlands?
William, concedes it was relatively late when he got the bug but he was gripped by the camaraderie, and his interest intensified when Villa got relegated in 2016.
Prince William on fatherhood & football | Royal Exclusive Special
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The Prince chatted to players at Street Soccer Scotland in Leith, Edinburgh
Credit: Getty
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Wills is a huge Aston Villa fan
Credit: Getty
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The future king saw his first spot kick saved by the goalie
Credit: Getty

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2 hours ago
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