Royal Reception for England Women’s Rugby Champions

The Princess of Wales welcomed England’s women’s rugby union team to Windsor Castle in recognition of their World Cup triumph earlier this year.

The Red Roses secured their third world title in September after defeating Canada 33–13 at Twickenham, with a record crowd of 81,885 watching the final.

Catherine, who serves as patron of the Rugby Football Union, spent time with the 32-player squad as well as RFU officials and support staff. She closely followed England’s progress throughout the tournament and attended their pool-stage victory over Australia in Brighton.

Several key figures from the squad and coaching team were present, including captain Zoe Stratford, two-time World Cup winner Marlie Packer and head coach John Mitchell. All three were recognised with OBEs in the New Year Honours list.

Vice-captain Megan Jones, forward Sadia Kabeya and Sports Personality of the Year nominee Ellie Kildunne were also acknowledged for their contributions, having received MBEs in December.

Kildunne, who became a fan favourite during the tournament for her trademark cowboy hat, shared a light-hearted moment with the Princess of Wales at the reception. She famously placed the hat on Catherine’s head earlier in the competition, creating a memorable image.

Recalling the exchange at Windsor Castle, Kildunne said the princess jokingly asked whether she had forgotten the hat this time. Kildunne replied that it seemed Catherine was the one without it, adding that the princess even joined in with a playful cowboy dance. Kildunne joked that Catherine was now “officially a cowboy” and might need a tattoo to match.

The celebrations were slightly delayed after the team’s coach broke down and then took a wrong turn, leaving the squad arriving an hour late and missing a planned tour of the castle.

After the Windsor reception, the players continued their celebrations with a visit to Downing Street, where they met Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.