Daniel Levy revealed he thanked Prince William for Aston Villa’s part in helping Tottenham Hotspur secure a crucial win earlier this month in their fight for Premier League survival. Roberto De Zerbi’s side left Villa Park with a 2-1 victory, a result that offered Spurs a glimmer of hope, with William also hoping they retain their top‑flight status in the battle against West Ham.
The former Spurs chairman attended an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, where he was made a CBE by the Prince of Wales for services to charity and the community in Tottenham, including work in education, health, social inclusion and job creation through the construction of the club’s stadium. Levy left his position in September following almost 25 years in charge, and relegation was not something he ever imagined when he was overseeing the £1billion stadium development in 2019.
Tottenham are only two points above the relegation places, with nine wins from 36 matches. After sacking Thomas Frank and relieving Igor Tudor of his interim duties before appointing Roberto De Zerbi in April, Spurs finally sealed their first win of 2026 on April 25 – a 1-0 victory at relegated Wolves, though they remain winless at home in the league since the start of December.
Levy has continued to follow the club closely and, while receiving his honour, revealed he spoke with William about Villa, given the Prince is a long‑standing fan. “I thanked him for allowing us [Tottenham] to beat Aston Villa when we played them a few weeks ago,” the former chairman said.
“He wished us luck the rest of the season, very much hoping that Tottenham survive in the Premier League.” Levy, who led the club for 24 years and became the Premier League’s longest‑serving chairman, was also asked about Spurs’ season and stressed he could never have imagined this would be the outcome when he stepped down last year.
“Look I could have never envisaged this at the beginning of the season, obviously fairly disappointed but let’s hope, let’s look forward and very much hope that next season we’re still in the Premier League,” he added.
“I’m feeling the pain but I’m feeling optimistic that we will get through it. It’s been very difficult but Spurs is in my blood, as I said, I’m hopeful that we will be ok in the end.”
Levy continued: “I’m always optimistic and I pray every day that we will [survive relegation]. Interesting getting into individual games but all I am focussed on is making sure Tottenham stays in the Premier League.
Spurs will continue their Premier League campaign and fight for survival next Tuesday (May 19) when they travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. It’s not a place Levy has fond memories of.
“Oh it’s tough,” he said of the fixture. “Never a good place for us but hopefully this year’s going to be different.”
Spurs haven’t beat the Blues since February 2023, when they claimed a 2-0 home win with Oliver Skipp and Harry Kane scoring the goals. West Ham, meanwhile, are away at Newcastle United on Sunday (May 17), and the relegation battle looks set to go down to the final day.