Prince William pictured beaming at FA Cup Final as he shakes hands with players

The Prince of Wales, 41, arrived to watch Manchester’s two leading football clubs compete in the FA Cup final.

As a devoted Aston Villa fan, there was no ill feeling when Prince William met the teams lining up for the FA Cup Final today.

The Prince of Wales shook hands and wished Manchester United and Manchester City the best of luck when he was introduced to the teams at Wembley moments before kick-off.

Prince William is known to be an Aston Villa fan and last month travelled to a game with his son Prince George.

The father and son duo watched Villa take on Lille in the first leg of the Europa Conference League quarter-final.

On that occasion, George, 10, wore a Villa scarf and was seen clapping and smiling alongside his father as their team secured a 2-1 victory.

Villa bowed out of the FA Cup in February after a 3-1 home defeat to Chelsea.

The Prince of Wales is President of the Football Association and regularly attends the FA Cup Final.

His appearance is likely to be one of only a handful made by the Royal Family in the coming weeks.

The monarchy postponed engagements “which may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign” following the announcement of a surprise summer general election.

LATEST ROYAL NEWS:

• Eugenie, Zara and Beatrice represent 'more fun generation' as William's reign looms
• King urged to 'not overlook Lady Louise's future contributions' to Royal Family
• Prince George set to join William at FA Cup final after royals cancel duties

The 41-year-old's attendance at the game in North West London in front of 90,000 fans was confirmed by Palace officials at 9.30am.

William's previous FA Cup appearance in 2022 was booed by thousands of fans ahead of the match between Liverpool and Chelsea.

Fans gesticulated and made rude hand gestures while the solemn prince stood singing God Save the Queen.