Aston Villa boss Dean Smith got the royal seal of approval as he guided the club to a place in the Premier League - where he feels they belong.
Villa are back among the elite after three seasons away as goals from Anwar El Ghazi and John McGinn helped secure a 2-1 win over Derby in the £170million Championship play-off final.
The Wembley showdown was watched by Villa fan Prince William, who celebrated enthusiastically at the final whistle.
The club's media team then quickly knocked up a tweet showing the Duke of Cambridge knighting Smith.
Afterwards Smith said: 'I haven't met him yet but I'd like to. I could tell him he supports the right team.'
It was an emotional day for the Smith family, all brought up as Villa fans, and especially after he had revealed his Villa-supporting father Ron suffers from dementia and does not know his son is the head coach.
'I went to see my old man on Friday and he kept his eyes open for two minutes,' said Smith.
'I told him the next time I come to see him I'll be a Premier League manager, and he smiled.'
The former Walsall and Brentford chief added: 'Reality has just set in. It all feels a little bit surreal but it's no more than those lads deserve and no more than this football club deserves.
'The potential of the club is massive. It feels right. I believe this is a Premier League club. That's not me speaking with a supporters' head on. History tells you that.
'We've fallen on hard times. Last season was tough for everyone who went through the defeat here to Fulham.
'The players and the owners deserve what we are going to get.'
Kushalsandhal
1
They are a premier league club All hands down
SG_Football
1
They deserve it!
isolation
0
Watched them draw 2 each at home to QPR .Left the ground thinking they had no chance this season getting up.What happened since that game has been fantastic and a credit to the Manager and all at the club including the fantastic support.In relation to the Knighthood im not sure about this.Surely Jack scoring twice against the Blues in Prince Williams eyes was more worth a reward.Joking aside well done Villa and well done Blues for a good season.Hopefully within the next 20 years you will join us for at least a season.
Martabeed
0
Dean Smith has done a tremendous job since he became Villa manager. He's also learnt his trade in the lower leagues. It will be interesting to see how Villa get in next season now.
lifetime
0
Good attitude by FL. They will do better next year and get promoted.
Hellsing
0
Congratulations villa
slightly
0
Some bitter commenters here. It's a laugh. Get over it.
Vawcelryz
1
Good job Villa
Motadilprt
3
seem like lampard likes beer
Aneel56
7
please take young with you ...
Saintben
6
Aston villa is back to where they belong, welcome back