He's one of the world's most influential people, but William isn't above shouting a round at the pub

Aston Villa fans have been surprised by an unexpected pubgoer.

Prince William has been spotted raising a glass to his fellow football fanatics after a royal engagement.

The Prince of Wales was in Birmingham, England, to be announced as the new patron of the College of Paramedics at its inaugural Emergency and Critical Care Conference when he made an unexpected detour.

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Once the conference wrapped, the royal made a brief stop at a local pub as a part of an organised meetup of Aston Villa fans.

Prince William presumably timed his visit to the Premier League's home city with his royal work while planning the occasion.

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The royal reportedly shouted a round of drinks at Wetherspoons before the soccer team's game later that day against Everton F.C..

The prince reportedly spent more than 30 minutes with the season ticket fans, prior to them heading to the match.

Prince William's first official royal engagement of the year came just one day after his wife, the Princess of Wales, announced she was in remission from cancer.

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As Kate made her gradual return to work following her treatment last year, the 43-year-old chose a poignant visit to mark the occasion - returning to London's Royal Marsden Hospital, a specialist cancer hospital near Kensington Palace, where she underwent her own treatment in secret last year.

"I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to the Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year," Kate said in a rare personal message on social media following the visit.

"My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.

"We couldn't have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional."

For the first time, Kate referred to herself as in "remission", describing the health status as "a relief" and promising to remain focused on recovery.

"As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal," she wrote.

"I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support."

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