PRINCE Albert of Monaco has declared himself a Blackburn Rovers fan after making a surprise visit to Ewood Park on Saturday.

Rovers fans were stunned to see the prince in the directors box donning a blue and white scarf during their side's drab 0-0 draw with Newcastle United.

When asked if he was a Rovers fan pre match, the prince replied: “I am now. And for the next few hours”.

Even following a disappointing 90 minutes, the 52-year-old ruler of Monaco, said: “I'm sorry it wasn't a better result.

"A bit of a scrappy game and a few bad calls but an enjoyable day all the same.”

The prince was understood to have been at the match due to his friendship with Jack Walker's son, Howard, and was introduced to the players after the game.

Rovers skipper Chris Samba said: “I apologised for the lack of a show in that we didn't score but the prince is a football man and he understands that these things happen."