The Princess of Wales took a moment from her weekend to post a rare personal message on social media, showing her support for the England rugby team ahead of their Six Nations opening match.
As patron of the Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League, Princess Kate wrote: “Good luck to Steve, Maro, and everyone involved with @englandrugby for your opening game of @sixnationsrugby against Ireland. C.”
England is facing Ireland in the tournament’s opening round, with the match taking place in Dublin. Although the royal is not expected to attend in person, her message of encouragement reflects her strong connection to the sport.
Princess Kate took on these patronages in 2022, succeeding Prince Harry following his departure from royal duties. A statement at the time highlighted the natural fit: “These new patronages, which have been given to The Duchess by Her Majesty The Queen, closely align with Her Royal Highness’ longstanding passion for sport and the lifelong benefits it can provide, both within our communities and on an individual level.”
A Family Passion for Rugby
Kate’s love for rugby runs deep. Her sister, Pippa Middleton, previously shared with Vanity Fair: “Rugby was a big thing for our family, and the focal point was international matches, often played on Saturday afternoons. They were as much social as sporting occasions.
“We’d plan our weekends around the big matches, with lunch on our laps—typically a chicken potpie or something equally cosy and English. If we lost, my dad would be in despair for the rest of the afternoon, as if he’d actually lost the game himself.”
It seems the sporting tradition is being passed down to the next generation. Princess Kate once joked that her youngest son, Prince Louis, has shown an early interest in rugby, describing his playing style as “kamikaze” when she first accepted her rugby patronages.
