The Princess of Wales has revealed that rugby is very much a family affair in the Wales household, joking that her eldest son’s growing strength now makes backyard games slightly more daunting.
While hosting England’s World Cup-winning Red Roses at Windsor Castle, Catherine shared light-hearted insights into how all three of her children enjoy the sport — and why she is careful around Prince George during family playtime.
Speaking to members of the triumphant England women’s rugby team, the Princess said that Prince George, 12, and Prince Louis, seven, both play rugby at school, while Princess Charlotte, 10, enjoys joining in when the family plays together at home.
With a smile, she added that George’s physical development has made him a formidable opponent.
“If we play at home now, I do not want to get tackled by George,” she joked, drawing laughter from players and staff.
The Princess also revealed that Louis attends extra-curricular Rugbytots sessions, a programme designed for younger children to develop coordination and confidence through the sport.
She praised rugby’s inclusivity and accessibility, particularly at a young age, saying children should not be limited by traditional gender expectations.
“Rugby is so accessible,” she said. “Louis is playing touch rugby and it’s such a great game. They shouldn’t necessarily need to pigeonhole boys and girls into particular sports too early.”
Catherine, who serves as patron of the Rugby Football Union (RFU), was hosting a special reception at Windsor Castle to honour the Red Roses following their World Cup triumph in September 2025 — England’s first women’s rugby World Cup win since 2014.
The team defeated Canada 33–13 in a historic final at a sold-out Twickenham, watched by a record crowd of 81,885 spectators.
The players were welcomed into the Green Drawing Room by the Band of the Irish Guards, of which the Princess is Colonel.
The band performed upbeat selections including 9 to 5 and New York, New York, setting a celebratory tone for the evening.
Many of the players were still wearing their gold medals after attending a gala ball in London the night before.
“Was everyone there last night? Any sore heads this morning?” the Princess asked, prompting laughter.
She congratulated the squad on their achievement and highlighted the wider impact of their success, particularly on young girls across the country.
“You’ve really inspired a new generation who might not have thought rugby was for them,” she told the team.
“It showed just how accessible rugby is for so many girls, in so many different places.”
Among those in attendance were captain Zoe Stratford, vice-captains Marlie Packer and Megan Jones, standout forward Sadia Kabeya, and head coach John Mitchell.
Several members of the squad were recently recognised in the New Year Honours list, with Stratford, Packer and Mitchell receiving OBEs, while Jones, Kabeya and Ellie Kildunne were awarded MBEs.
Kildunne, 26, who became the first female rugby player shortlisted for BBC Sports Personality of the Year, spoke afterwards about the Princess’s enthusiasm for the team.
She recalled a memorable moment when Catherine donned a cowboy hat at a match, joining in with the squad’s celebratory “cowboy” dance.
“She was a great sport and joined in,” Kildunne said. “You can really tell how invested she is in rugby — not just professionally, but personally as well.”
The Red Roses’ victory marked their third World Cup win on home soil, following previous triumphs in 1994 and 2014.
It also extended their winning streak to 33 consecutive matches, underlining their dominance in the women’s game. Only New Zealand have lifted the Women’s Rugby World Cup more times.
As the Princess posed for official photographs with the players and accepted a signed England shirt, the sense of pride and progress was clear.
With record crowds, growing grassroots participation, and visible royal support, women’s rugby in England continues to reach new heights — both on the international stage and in family gardens across the country.