The pub trip to the London and North Western Wetherspoon inside Birmingham New Street railway station was organised after the prince asked the football club to arrange a gathering with some die-hard supporters.

Daniel Jones, 18, a sixth form college student from Burntwood, Staffordshire, said the prince was a “lovely guy, proper down to earth” who “loves Villa and the passion we all share”.

“I think if he didn’t have other commitments he would have loved to be at the match,” he added.

John McEvoy, 64, from Solihull, who runs a catering equipment business, said: “William said a family friend took him to his first game – Villa against Bolton – and he’s loved the team ever since.

“He said he would be watching the match on TV tonight. He was just a really nice, genuine bloke who really loves Villa.”