The Princess of Wales has revealed that playing rugby at home with Prince George has reached a point where she would rather avoid being tackled by her eldest son. Her candid admission came during a reception at Windsor Castle for the Red Roses, England's World Cup-winning women's rugby team.
In January, Kate welcomed the squad to Windsor Castle to celebrate their September 2025 World Cup triumph. The Red Roses beat Canada 33-13 in the final in front of a record 81,885 crowd at Twickenham, securing England's third World Cup title following wins in 2014 and 1994.
Praise for the Red Roses
As patron of the Rugby Football Union, Kate praised the team's achievement. "You've really inspired all the new generation (that) perhaps might not even have thought rugby was for them," she told the players.
She added: "I think it really showed how accessible rugby is to so many types of girls, in different parts of the country."
Charlotte and Louis also play
Asked whether her daughter played rugby, Kate replied: "Charlotte is playing rugby but at home with the family, so she isn't yet at school, and I was asking how many schools are actually incorporating (rugby)."
She also mentioned her youngest son, saying: "Rugby is so accessible, Louis is playing touch rugby and it's such a great game. Actually, they shouldn't necessarily push boys and girls in particular sports too early."
The George admission
Kate then left the team in fits of laughter with a frank remark about Prince George. "Obviously as they get physically stronger - George now, if we play at home, I do not want to get tackled by George - but, up to a certain age, I think it's great," she said.
The princess has long supported the Red Roses. She attended a pool match in Brighton where England defeated Australia, and later joined the squad for a celebratory sing-song in the changing rooms. Sports Personality of the Year nominee Ellie Kildunne playfully teased Kate about the cowboy hat she wore when entering the dressing room, and revealed the princess took part in a cowboy lasso dance with several players.
Driving herself to Windsor
The Windsor Castle gathering marked Kate's first individual engagement of 2026. Footage circulated on social media showed her driving herself to the event in a dark vehicle, getting out in the rain holding an umbrella.
Fans reacted enthusiastically online. One post on X said: "The Princess of Wales drove herself to Windsor Castle this afternoon to host a reception for the England Women's rugby team - in an Alexander McQueen suit and stilettos. Iconic" Another commented: "So amazing she doesn't require people to drive her and can easily do it herself." A third fan wrote: "Driving in stilettos - respect right there!"
