The Princess of Wales made an impromptu visit to the Australian women's rugby team in their locker room after England’s 47-7 victory over the Wallaroos in the final group-stage match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, prompting players to give her an enthusiastic three cheers.
Footage shared on the Wallaroos’ Instagram account shows the future queen entering the changing area at Brighton’s stadium following the match, shaking hands and speaking with players. Catherine, who is patron of the Rugby Football Union, told the team she was “a massive supporter of women’s sport” and asked how it had been to play away from home. “You played really well, you gave us a run for our money at the beginning, it was nerve-racking!” she said, adding that it was “so fantastic to see crowds like this and stadiums like this.” The players responded by cheering and later appeared visibly moved; the princess waved and blew a kiss before leaving.
The match, held at Brighton & Hove Albion’s stadium, concluded the group stage with England top of the standings and Australia in second place. England, the world No. 1 side, entered the fixture on the back of decisive wins earlier in the tournament, including a 69-7 victory over the United States and a 92-3 win against Samoa. Those results left England among the favourites for the title, alongside holders New Zealand and Canada.
Catherine’s visit followed a period of royal engagement with the tournament. Both the Princess of Wales and the Prince of Wales posted messages of support on social media in recent weeks. William wrote in Welsh and English to wish Wales Women luck, while Catherine sent a message supporting the Red Roses as they began their campaign on home soil.
The princess took over the RFU patronage in 2022 after Prince Harry relinquished the role when he stepped back from senior royal duties. She has been a frequent presence at sports events and is patron of several sporting organisations. Raised in a family that followed rugby, she has publicly supported a range of sports from tennis to hockey and has taken part in athletic activities at royal engagements.
Ahead of and during the match, the princess was seated in the stands and later visited both teams’ dressing rooms, offering encouragement to players from both sides. Coverage and social media responses to the locker-room visit noted the warmth of the exchange; comments posted under the club’s Instagram clip included expressions of admiration and appreciation for her words.
Observers and fans also noted Catherine’s attire at the event. Photographs from the stadium showed her in a tailored black blazer, a ruffled silk blouse and black trousers, and carrying a classic handbag. The visit underscored the combination of ceremonial royal duties and public support for women’s sport as the tournament moves into its knockout stages.
England’s strong group-stage form positions them for a deep run in the competition, while Australia advances with momentum after finishing second in the group. The tournament will proceed to the knockout rounds, where both teams’ next fixtures will determine their progress toward the title.