Princess Kate Jokes About Rugby at Windsor
Princess Catherine delighted guests at Windsor Castle as she hosted England’s World Cup-winning Red Roses, joking about how competitive rugby has become in the royal household — especially with her eldest son, Prince George.
While speaking to members of the England women’s rugby team, the Princess revealed that both Prince George, 12, and Prince Louis, 7, play rugby at school, while Princess Charlotte, 10, enjoys joining family games at home. With a laugh, Catherine admitted that George’s strength now makes him a tough opponent.
“If we play at home now, I do not want to get tackled by George,” she joked, prompting smiles from the squad.
Catherine also shared that Louis takes part in Rugbytots sessions, a popular program helping young children build skills, confidence, and coordination. She praised rugby for being inclusive and accessible for boys and girls alike.
“Rugby is so accessible,” she said. “They shouldn’t need to pigeonhole boys and girls into particular sports too early.”
Celebrating England’s World Cup Triumph
As patron of the Rugby Football Union (RFU), Catherine hosted the reception to honor the Red Roses after their historic 2025 Women’s World Cup victory — England’s first since 2014. The team defeated Canada 33–13 in front of a record crowd at Twickenham.
Fresh from a gala evening in London, several players arrived still wearing their gold medals. The Princess light-heartedly asked whether there were any “sore heads” after the celebrations.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Catherine congratulated the team for their achievement and the wider impact on youth participation and women’s sport.
“You’ve really inspired a new generation who might not have thought rugby was for them,” she told the players.
The event was attended by captain Zoe Stratford, vice-captains Marlie Packer and Megan Jones, standout forward Sadia Kabeya, and head coach John Mitchell. Several players were recently honored in the New Year Honours list with OBEs and MBEs recognizing their contributions to rugby.
Player Ellie Kildunne praised Catherine’s passion for the sport, recalling the Princess joining in the squad’s “cowboy” dance after donning a cowboy hat at a match. “You can really tell how invested she is — not just professionally, but personally,” she said.
A Milestone Moment for Women’s Rugby
The Red Roses’ victory marked their third World Cup win on home soil and extended their record winning streak to 33 consecutive matches. With booming attendance, grassroots growth, and royal visibility, women’s rugby in England continues to reach new heights — from stadiums to family back gardens.
