Princess Kate Champions Rugby League's Community Role During Wakefield Visit
The Princess of Wales has praised the "gold dust" value of rugby league clubs in supporting their local communities during a visit to Wakefield Trinity's ground in West Yorkshire. Kate, who serves as patron of the Rugby Football League, braved the elements of Storm Chandra to engage with various community initiatives run by the Super League club.
Engaging with Young Rugby Players
During her time at the stadium, the future queen met with schoolgirls participating in rugby skills sessions as part of Wakefield's Champion Schools competition. Dressed in a smart jacket and trousers rather than sporting attire, Kate held a rugby ball while chatting with teenage players during their break from training.
She discussed the physical nature of rugby league with the group, remarking: "There's not any other sport when you can say contact is a good thing." The princess also fielded questions about Princess Charlotte's school activities, revealing that her daughter participates in numerous sports but not rugby.
Supporting Elderly Fans and At-Risk Youth
The royal visit extended beyond the pitch as Kate sat down with Wakefield supporters aged from their 60s to 90s who regularly attend In Touch events. These gatherings are organised by Wakefield Trinity's Community Foundation, the club's charitable arm, to combat loneliness among elderly fans.
As the group paused their club-themed quiz, the princess expressed her admiration: "I love this, the league game is so embedded in community life and it's so grassroots. Getting youngsters involved but also how clubs like this connect to the rest of the community. They're absolute gold dust really, and I'm so proud to help support the league across the country."
Kate also spent time in the dugout chatting with four boys supported by Inspiring Futures, a programme run by eleven rugby league foundations. The initiative helps youngsters at risk of anti-social behaviour and youth crime through classroom workshops and practical sessions. One pupil told her: "I noticed afterwards I can control my anger a lot better."
Community Foundation's Broad Reach
Luke Shale, head of Wakefield Trinity's Community Foundation, explained their comprehensive approach after the visit: "We try and hit every supporter that we've got in the club. So we've got supporters now from babies to some that are near 100 years old – so it's trying to engage with them in ways outside of just the rugby on the field."
He added about Kate's reaction: "She was really impressed with the girls playing Rugby League because it can be seen as a very male orientated sport."
Mental Health Focus Across Yorkshire
The Wakefield visit formed part of a broader day in northern England focused on highlighting "the healing power of creativity, community and nature for individuals who have experienced trauma, isolation and poor mental health."
Earlier in the day, Kate visited Family Action's Children's Trauma Therapy Service in Bradford, where she met a five-year-old girl and her therapist. The princess helped the child use a shell to listen to the sea, sharing: "That's what I like doing with shells. If you close your eyes you can sometimes imagine you're by the beach." The girl confirmed she could hear the waves and showed Kate a "potion" she had made to keep "the bad dreams" away.
Peak District Walk in Inclement Weather
Later, the princess demonstrated her commitment to the cause by joining a waterlogged walk in the Peak District with Mind Over Mountains, a charity offering professional mental health support through therapeutic outdoor experiences.
Arriving at Curbar Gap in Derbyshire, Kate apologised for the rain but declared: "Nothing is going to stop us." Before setting off along Baslow Edge, she checked that everyone was happy to continue in the inclement weather, dressed appropriately in a brown waterproof coat, trousers, walking boots and a tweed hat.
As the mist cleared over the Derwent Valley, walkers paused to admire the view and discuss mindfulness. Kate laughed when well-being lead Di West pointed out how they were all "connected with the ground," as the princess looked down at a puddle of muddy water she was standing in.
Reflecting on the Experience
Upon returning from the edge, Ms West led a reflection session asking participants for three words to sum up their experience. Kate responded: "Mind, body and soul."
Walk lead Lizzi Mills commented: "She did really enjoy it. She was saying how much nature means to her – getting out for a walk with her family. How much it means for her to have that time."
The princess was joined on the walk by past participants of Mind Over Mountains, along with Ms Mills, Ms West, chief executive Ian Boyd and founder Alex Staniforth. The charity combines walking in nature, connecting with like-minded people, and professional counselling to support mental wellbeing.
