Prince William’s devotion to Aston Villa can be revealed in a series of emotionally-charged stories that prove His Royal Highness really does have claret and blue blood.



The Athletic has been told how the Duke of Cambridge sent Jack Grealish an uplifting hand-written letter to his home address after he was punched by a Birmingham City thug last season, and has played football in Christian Benteke’s socks.



William also supported ex-captain Stiliyan Petrov in his battle against acute leukaemia and requested to meet the Bulgarian during his time of need.



His Aston Villa loyalty stretches far beyond the jubilant scenes that were captured on camera when the club recently secured promotion back to the Premier League.



William was seen jumping for joy alongside ex-striker John Carew – the former Holte End hero whom he met on royal visit to Norway and is now a close friend – when Villa won the play-off final at Wembley in...