For the love of Aston Villa

TV PRESENTER Adil Ray (right) has reflected on finding common ground with the Duke of Cambridge, after he received his OBE.

The Citizen Khan comic received the honour for services to broadcasting in 2016. He was awarded the accolade by Prince William. The pair bonded over a mutual love of Aston Villa football club, Ray said. “We chatted and I remember afterwards an official said: ‘You did spend quite a long time talking to William. You’re not really allowed to do that’,” he recalled. “He wanted to talk about the Villa, what can I do?!”

The 46-year-old spoke of his surprise when he heard he would be receiving the honour from Buckingham Palace. “I had a call from my agent who said: ‘We’ve had a letter from the Cabinet Office, they want to give you an OBE’,” he said. “I think I said to her: ‘Can you call me back in a minute?’ I just couldn’t believe what was going on.”