Princess Kate to Welcome Women’s Rugby World Cup Winners in Rare Windsor Castle Appearance
Kensington Palace has released a warm update on Princess Kate, confirming that the Princess of Wales will host a special reception at Windsor Castle to honor England’s Women’s Rugby Team after their World Cup triumph. The event is set to be both a celebration of sporting excellence and a high-profile moment in Kate’s steadily increasing return to public duties.
Kate, who serves as patron of the Rugby Football Union, will welcome the players and team staff to Windsor on Thursday. The reception is being held in recognition of the team’s World Cup victory last year, an achievement that has been widely celebrated across the country. In addition to the formal gathering, the squad will be treated to a tour of Windsor Castle before joining the Princess to mark their success.
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The event highlights Kate’s long-standing passion for sport, particularly rugby, which she has supported for years. The Prince and Princess of Wales are both known to be enthusiastic fans. In the early days of their relationship, Prince William and Kate were regularly spotted attending matches together, including a memorable outing with Prince Harry to watch England take on Italy during a Six Nations match at Twickenham.

Those appearances helped cement their image as a modern royal couple with a genuine interest in national sport. Kate formally became patron of the Rugby Football Union in 2022. The role was previously held by Prince Harry, who was required to relinquish the position as part of the arrangements following his departure from official royal duties.
Since taking on the patronage, the Princess of Wales has used the platform to support both the men’s and women’s games and to promote the positive impact of sport on communities and young people. The reception at Windsor also reflects a broader shift in Kate’s public schedule.
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— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) January 12, 2026
The Princess of Wales, Patron of the Rugby Football Union, will host a reception at Windsor Castle for the England Women’s Rugby team, following their World Cup win in September 2025 on Thursday January 15.
Her return to royal duties last year marked a noticeable increase compared with the year before. She reportedly completed around 70 engagements over the past year, up from just 13 in 2024. Royal watchers have viewed this as a sign of her growing presence within the monarchy and her evolving role as a senior member of the Royal Family.
For fans of both the Princess and women’s sport, the upcoming Windsor reception promises to be a meaningful occasion. It celebrates a historic sporting achievement while also offering another glimpse of Kate’s commitment to her patronages and her future role at the heart of the monarchy.
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