Earlier today, the Princess of Wales welcomed England’s World Champion Wheelchair Rugby Team at a special gathering. Learn more about the team here.
The event took place at the historic Hampton Court Palace.
Here, the Princess is pictured with Simon Johnson, chair of the Rugby Football League, an organization she has supported since February 2022.
Below, the Princess greets team members during the event.
Discover more about the team’s achievements in this People story.
The celebration marked the team’s victory at the Rugby League World Cup Final in November 2022, where they overcame France 28-24, securing their first World Cup title since the inaugural Wheelchair tournament in 2008.
Additional insights are available in this Sky Sports article.
The final was a close contest against France, the previous champions, concluding a tournament that significantly raised the profile of wheelchair rugby league. The event not only celebrated England’s second World Cup win but also introduced the sport to new audiences, including the USA’s debut and upcoming tours by semi-finalists Wales.
Today’s event was captured in this video.
James Simpson shares his thoughts on the impact of the World Cup in this Town and Country article.
“The global attention from the World Cup, with 1.5 million viewers for the final and royal family members tuning in, has elevated our sport to unprecedented levels,” Simpson remarked.
More details on today’s interactions can be found in this Belfast Telegraph article.
Kate shared that her family, including Prince William and their children, watched the final on TV, cheering for England. She highlighted her children’s enthusiasm for rugby, especially Louis, who is currently learning the sport at school.
Rebecca English of The Daily Mail reports on the Princess’s ongoing support for the sport.
Sebastien Bechara discusses the Princess’s genuine interest in wheelchair rugby in this Town and Country story.
“It’s thrilling to see her so engaged and knowledgeable about the sport. Her enthusiasm for trying it out with her children is truly inspiring,” Bechara said.
A formal photograph from the day.
Exploring Kate’s fashion choices for the event, she wore Roland Mouret separates previously seen during her visit to Boston in December.
Today’s accessories included the Gianvito Rossi 105 pumps in Bordeaux suede and a new Daniella Draper necklace, the Gold Citrine Baby Treasure Necklace.
She also wore Daniella Draper’s Mini Cupid Hoop Earrings.
VIDEOS: Learn more about James Simpson in this video.
See highlights from the championship match against France in this video.
