The Princess Wears Team Colors for England vs. Wales Rugby Match

The Princess of Wales brought back a Catherine Walker design for today’s rugby match in Cardiff, Wales. 

The Prince and Princess were in Wales for the Six Nations match between Wales and England, a fierce rivalry. Some readers may recall that the Prince is patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, and the Princess is patron of England’s Rugby Football Union. 

Before the match, the pair met injured players receiving assistance from the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust.  

Prince William is the charity’s royal patron.

We learn more about the Trust via the organization’s website. 

In the years since it was created, hundreds of male and female players – from grassroots rugby to the elite game – have been supported by the Trust. Some receive help on a short-term basis where fortunately they have gone on to make good recoveries. But sadly, many have suffered life-changing injuries which have had a devastating impact not only on their lives but on their families.

When an injured player returns home, help provided can include funding significant house adaptations like wet-rooms and ramps, hoists, wheelchairs and specially adapted cars to restore mobility and independence. The Trust has also offered financial support towards rehabilitation, counselling, career advice, educational opportunities, and retraining.

The royals officially opened the Sir Tasker Watkins Suite at the stadium.

The new suite will be used exclusively by injured players and their families ahead of matches.  

From The Mirror’s coverage.

Prince William joked about the rivalry.  “It’s going to be a very tense journey home. If we win today my wife won’t speak to me. It will be a tense evening.”

Kate laughed as she was asked about her support for England during the match.

We return to The Mirror’s coverage. 

Kate said George is now learning to tackle rather than playing the non-contact game tag rugby . She said: “They are trying to teach him the rules. They move them around for their confidence. Because he is tall, he has the physique.”

She also said Louis and Charlotte also love playing the sport.

Rhian Roberts, 37, is one of 33 people supported by the trust and spoke about what it was like to meet the royal guests.

She said: “It was an honour to see them today. You see them on TV and you pinch yourself that they are sat next to you.”

Both royals seemed to enjoy their time at today’s reception. 

Then it was time for the match as the couple joined 75,000 fans inside the stadium. 

The Prince and Princess as they took their seats. 

Before the national anthem was sung, there was a moment of silence marking the one-year anniversary of Russia’s attack on Ukraine and the ongoing war in that country. 

Ultimately, England was victorious, defeating Wales 20 – 10, England’s first win in Cardiff in six years. 

Now for our look at what Kate wore for today’s match. 

The Princess was in a Catherine Walker coat first worn in 2018 during a visit to Sweden when she was expecting Prince Louis, shown below.

The altered piece features a double-breasted silhouette, collar, and three rows of oversized buttons. Below, a closer look at the fabric and buttons.

The Princess repeated her Mulberry handbag, the brand’s Amberley Crossbody style. It measures about 5″ x 7″ x 2.5″ and has a detachable chain strap and detachable top handle. 

She also brought back a pair of her Aquatalia boots, the brand’s Ruby Dry design, a platform ankle boot in black suede. An updated version of the boot is carried at Russell and Bromley.  

The Princess wore her Mappin and Webb Empress earrings. (The identical design is no longer available; an updated version is available at Mappin and Webb.)

England’s team emblem is a rose and the Princess wore the UFO silver rose brooch seen in a video supporting the women’s rugby team ahead of the Rugby World Cup in October. 

I will see you Tuesday when the Prince and Princess return to Wales for a series of engagements.

VIDEOS:

The Royal Family Channel has almost three minutes of coverage in this video. 

 The national anthem before the match.