The Catherine, Princess of Wales proved she’s a hands-on rugby mum as she hosted England’s World Cup-winning Red Roses at Windsor Castle, joking that family kickabouts at home are getting increasingly competitive.
Chatting to the squad, Catherine revealed that all three of her children get involved when the ball comes out — but admitted her eldest is now a force to be reckoned with. She laughed that while family games are great fun, she definitely doesn’t want to be tackled by Prince George as he shoots up and grows stronger.
The Princess explained that both Prince George, 12, and Prince Louis, seven, play rugby at school, while Princess Charlotte, ten, joins in at home. She also shared that Louis takes part in Rugbytots sessions, describing the sport as accessible, inclusive and brilliant for young children.
Speaking about mixed-gender sport at younger ages, Catherine said there was no need to pigeonhole boys and girls too early, adding that rugby’s appeal lies in how welcoming it can be before physical differences really kick in.
As patron of the Rugby Football Union, the Princess was hosting a celebratory reception for the England Red Roses, who lifted the Rugby World Cup last autumn. The Green Drawing Room rang with laughter as she congratulated the players, teasing them about late-night celebrations and sore heads after their victory ball.
Catherine praised the squad for inspiring a new generation of girls who might never have thought rugby was for them, telling the players their success showed just how open the sport has become across the country.
The Red Roses’ triumph saw them beat Canada 33–13 in front of a record crowd at Twickenham Stadium, extending their incredible winning run and cementing their place in sporting history. Players arrived at Windsor wearing matching suits and their gold medals, presenting the Princess with a signed shirt and keepsakes from their World Cup journey.
One of the lighter moments came when Ellie Kildunne recalled Catherine gamely donning a cowboy hat during the tournament celebrations — joking that the Princess was now “officially a cowboy”. Kildunne added that it was special to see rugby firmly part of royal family life, saying Catherine was genuinely invested in what the sport brings to families and communities.
Despite a delayed arrival after the team coach broke down, the reception ended with smiles, photographs and heartfelt congratulations — and a royal reminder that at home, rugby is very much a family affair.
