Prince William was asked about football culture – and he talked about the strange attraction of the highs and lows of being a supporter.
His own support for Aston Villa became even more intense when the team was relegated, he said.
“So I think weirdly, this sounds very odd, but I got into football more than ever when we got relegated,” he told the US podcasters.
“So when Aston Villa went from Premiership to Championship, I suddenly really enjoyed the battle to get back in the Premiership.”
The results of his beloved club could also affect his mood: “My weekend goes from being either the best we can in the world when we win… Or frankly, I don’t want to see anyone on Monday morning because I’m really down.”
He said that he’d become an Aston Villa supporter after watching them play for the first time, remembering it as a game against Bolton 26 years ago.
Travis had asked about whether Prince William’s love of football was inherited.
“Did your dad get you into Aston Villa or is this your own doing?” asked Travis.
“Absolutely not. My father hates football,” the prince replied.
He also warned the US hosts about the rowdier aspects of football support.
“Those rowdy evenings, those long afternoons, a few drinks, the social elements of it. You know, there are plenty of chants you guys don’t want to hear. They’re pretty spicy. They’re quite rude to broadcast.”
There were also insights into the prince’s thinking when he was asked about his role as president of the Football Association.
“Just don’t mess up,” he said, in a succinct piece of management advice.
The podcasters invited Prince William to name some of the best English players of all time – in what they imagined as footballing Mount Rushmore.
William’s list included Sir David Beckham, Gary Lineker, Harry Kane, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Sir Bobby Charlton.
“Harry Kane could end up being one of the greatest English strikers we’ve ever seen,” he said, with some prophetic accuracy, considering Kane became England’s greatest goal scorer in subsequent appearances.
