This coming weekend, the Princess of Wales will make a very special appearance to support the England rugby team.
On Saturday in Wigan, Catherine will watch England play Papua New Guinea in the Rugby League World Cup quarterfinal.
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This is her first game since becoming the face of the Rugby Football Union and succeeding Prince Harry as the patron of the Rugby Football League. She holds the position for the first time ever as a female royal.
The England and Papua New Guinea teams will meet the Princess on the field prior to the start of the game. She will also observe a minute of non-silence on the November Mental Fitness Match Day of the tournament in an effort to counteract the negative effects that silence can have on men’s mental health.
Catherine will also have the opportunity to interact with the England women’s team, who earlier that day played Canada in a group game, during the halftime break.
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The Princess of Wales will be welcomed as the RFL’s Royal Patron for the first time, according to RFL Chair Simon Johnson.
“Her presence will enhance a special occasion for our sport, for the World Cup, and for the famous rugby league town of Wigan,” the statement reads. “Both our England Women’s and Men’s teams play important World Cup matches on Saturday.”
Fans of the royal family will undoubtedly be hoping that Catherine decides to bring her oldest son along, rugby enthusiast Prince George.
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He had previously gone to Twickenham with both of his parents to watch a Six Nations game. Given that Prince William is the patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, which is competing against England on this particular day, it was an opportunity for William and Kate to engage in some friendly sporting rivalry.
George remained diplomatic, donning a red and blue puffer jacket with no symbols or badges while the Duke and Duchess displayed their support for the opposing teams by donning England and Wales scarves.
