Princess of Wales Hosts England’s 32 World Cup Rugby Stars
The Princess of Wales hosted England’s women’s rugby team of 32 players at Windsor Castle, honoring their World Cup triumph and OBE/MBE awards.
The Princess of Wales hosted England's women's rugby union team at Windsor Castle to celebrate their historic World Cup triumph in September, marking a memorable royal reception for the players, coaching staff, and officials of the Rugby Football Union.
England secured the World Cup title after a commanding 33-13 victory over Canada at Twickenham Stadium, in front of a record-breaking crowd of 81,885 spectators. This victory marked the third time the Red Roses lifted the trophy, cementing their status as one of the world’s elite women’s rugby teams.
Catherine, who serves as a patron of the RFU, met with the 32-player squad, as well as coaches, staff, and officials, personally congratulating each member on their achievements. She had closely followed England’s campaign throughout the home World Cup, including attending their thrilling pool-stage victory over Australia in Brighton.
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Among the distinguished guests at the royal reception were captain Zoe Stratford, two-time World Cup winner Marlie Packer, and head coach John Mitchell, who were all recently honored with OBEs in the New Year Honours. Vice-captain Megan Jones, back-row star Sadia Kabeya, and Sports Personality of the Year nominee Ellie Kildunne were also recognized, having received MBE awards in December for their outstanding contributions to the sport.
Ellie Kildunne, whose playful antics with a cowboy hat became a signature moment during the tournament, shared a lighthearted moment with the Princess of Wales. After one of England’s victories, Kildunne had placed the hat on Catherine’s head, and the princess even joined in with a little “cowboy dance.” Kildunne joked about the occasion: “She is now officially a cowboy, so I’ll have to tattoo her soon.”
Despite the excitement of the day, the Red Roses experienced a minor setback when their bus broke down, and a wrong turn caused them to arrive an hour late. Unfortunately, this meant the team missed a planned tour of Windsor Castle. Nonetheless, the atmosphere remained jubilant as the players engaged in lively conversations and shared memories from their World Cup journey.
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Following the royal reception, the squad continued their celebratory tour by visiting Downing Street, where they met Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The players and staff reflected on their historic victory and the recognition they had received, highlighting the growing profile and support for women’s rugby in England.
The event at Windsor Castle not only celebrated England’s sporting success but also underscored the important role of the Princess of Wales in supporting grassroots and professional women’s rugby. Her engagement with the team provided a unique opportunity to honor the dedication, skill, and sportsmanship of the Red Roses while inspiring future generations of young players across the country.
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