Prince William issues personal statement ahead of historic Aston Villa match

Taking to social media, William wrote: "The last time @AVFCOfficial won in the top European competition, it was the month before I was born.

"Let’s hope tonight is the first step towards another European adventure!

"My thoughts this evening are also with Villa legend Gary Shaw’s friends and family following his passing yesterday. #UTV W".

William's beloved team are playing their first Champion's League match tonight in over 40 years, taking place in Switzerland.

Villa are up against Young Boys, a Swiss team, at the Wankdorf Stadium.

It is not known whether or not Prince William will make the trip to Bern to support Villa in person.

He has just returned to royal duties after taking a long summer off with Princess Kate and their three children.

William's eldest son, Prince George, 11, is also an avid Aston Villa fan.

If William attends tonight's historic match, it could also be fitting for young George to accompany his father.

The father and son duo frequently stop by Villa Park in Birmingham to support their beloved team.

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It is not known whether Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, are big football fans like their older brother.

Charlotte opted against attending the Euro Championships in July as they occurred on the same day as the Wimbledon Men's Gentlemen's Final.

The nine-year-old attended alongside her mother, the Princess of Wales and her aunt, Pippa Matthews.

Meanwhile, Louis is perhaps too young and has not visited a football match in person yet.