The Princess of Wales has personally celebrated the historic victory of England's women's rugby team, hosting the champion Red Roses for a special reception at Windsor Castle. Kate, who is patron of the Rugby Football Union, used the occasion to hail the team's "amazing achievement" and revealed her own children are keen rugby players at home.
A Royal Celebration for World Champions
The future queen welcomed the squad to Windsor Castle to mark their triumph in the 2025 Rugby World Cup. The event, held to celebrate their win last autumn, saw Kate describe it as "really nice to mark the beginning of the year with a celebration." She praised the team's profound impact, telling a group of the World Cup winners: "You’ve really inspired all the new generation (that) perhaps might not even have thought rugby was for them."
She emphasised the accessibility of the sport, adding: "I think it really showed how accessible rugby is to so many types of girls, in different parts of the country." The Red Roses secured their third World Cup title with a 33-13 victory over Canada in the final at a sold-out Twickenham, setting a new spectator record of 81,885 fans. This win followed previous English triumphs in 2014 and 1994.
Royal Family Touchlines: George, Charlotte and Louis
In a charming and personal revelation, the Princess shared details of her own family's involvement with rugby. When asked if her daughter played, Kate explained that Princess Charlotte does play rugby, but currently at home with the family as she is not yet at school. She expressed interest in how many schools are incorporating the sport into their curriculum.
She went on to reveal that Prince Louis is playing touch rugby, calling it "such a great game." However, she offered a humorous note of caution regarding her eldest son, stating: "George now, if we play at home, I do not want to get tackled by George." The royal also shared her philosophy on children's sports, suggesting: "Actually, they shouldn’t necessarily need to push boys and girls in particular sports too early... but, up to a certain age I think it’s great."
From the Stands to the Dressing Room
The Princess of Wales was a dedicated supporter throughout the Red Roses' World Cup campaign. She attended a pool match in Brighton, watching from the stands as England beat Australia. Her support extended beyond the pitch, as she later joined the players for a celebratory sing-song in the changing rooms after their victory.
Sports Personality of the Year nominee Ellie Kildunne recalled the fun atmosphere, joking with Kate about the cowboy hat she wore when entering the dressing room. Kildunne later revealed the princess even joined in with a few players for a cowboy lasso dance.
The Windsor Castle reception was attended by numerous squad stars and officials recently honoured for their services to rugby. Guests included captain Zoe Stratford, double Rugby World Cup winner Marlie Packer, and head coach John Mitchell, all of whom were made OBEs in the New Year Honours. They were joined by vice captain Megan Jones and standout back row Sadia Kabeya, who were both made MBEs.
