The Princess of Wales demonstrated a refreshingly modest approach to royal duties yesterday, as she was seen driving her own car to a special engagement at Windsor Castle. Kate, the patron of the Rugby Football Union (RFU), hosted a reception to honour the World Cup-winning England women's rugby team, the Red Roses.
A Humble Royal Arrival
Newly surfaced footage shows the 44-year-old royal arriving at the historic venue in a small black vehicle, which she was piloting herself. Upon pulling up, Kate gracefully stepped out into the January rain, where a staff member was waiting with an umbrella. The Princess took the umbrella herself, sharing its cover as they walked inside.
The simple act captured the attention of royal watchers on social media, with many praising her relatable demeanour. One fan described her ability to drive in heels as 'iconic', while others applauded her for not requiring a chauffeur and for carrying her own umbrella.
Family Rugby and Celebrating Champions
Inside Windsor Castle's Green Drawing Room, Kate warmly welcomed the national team, celebrating their monumental September 2025 World Cup victory – their first since 2014. The reception was ushered in by the Band of the Irish Guards, for which the Princess serves as Colonel.
In relaxed conversations with players and coaches, including captain Zoe Stratford and head coach John Mitchell, Kate revealed her family's love for the sport. She told how her sons, Prince George, 12, and Prince Louis, 7, play rugby at school, while Princess Charlotte, 10, joins in during family games at home. Louis also enjoys 'Rugbytots' sessions for young children.
With a laugh, the Princess remarked on her eldest son's growth, saying, 'I do not want to get tackled by George!'. She also spoke thoughtfully about the accessibility of rugby and the benefits of not segregating boys and girls in sport too early.
Inspiring a New Generation
Kate congratulated the team on their historic win, achieved in front of a record crowd of 81,885 at Twickenham, where they defeated Canada 33-13. She acknowledged their power to inspire, telling the athletes, 'You've really inspired all the new generation [that] perhaps might not even have thought rugby was for them.'
The players presented the Princess with a signed England shirt and a medal. Ellie Kildunne, nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year, later recalled how Kate had sportingly worn a cowboy hat and joined in with the team's celebratory dance during the tournament.
The event underscored the Princess's genuine commitment to her patronage and her ability to connect with national heroes in a personal, uplifting way, further endearing her to the public.
