In order to support England as they play Papua New Guinea in the Rugby League World Cup 2022 quarterfinal game, Princess Catherine braved the chilly and rainy weather on Saturday.
The game is Catherine’s first since taking over for the Duke of Sussex as the Rugby Football League’s patron (RFL). In January 2020, less than a week after announcing he and his wife Meghan Markle intended to retire as senior working royals, Prince Harry announced the World Cup draw.
Catherine arrived at the stadium wearing a stunning red coat, burgundy boots, and an enormous umbrella to protect her from the rain.
She greeted the players on the field before participating in the minute of silence held to commemorate the Movember Mental Fitness Match Day of the competition.
The mother-of-three made her own way to the game, but she had fun laughing with other spectators, including Clare Balding, a former BBC sports presenter.
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Before the match, the princess spoke with representatives from organizations that took part in the social impact program for the tournament, which was designed to have a positive effect on the host towns and cities.
Simon Johnson, chair of the RFL, said: “We will be delighted and honoured to welcome the Princess of Wales for the first time as the RFL’s Royal Patron.
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She will make a special occasion for our sport, the World Cup, and the renowned rugby league town of Wigan even more memorable because both our England Men’s and Women’s teams play crucial World Cup matches on Saturday, he continued.
With the men’s, women’s, and wheelchair World Cup competitions being staged concurrently for the first time, the Rugby League World Cup 2022 (RLWC2022) represents a watershed moment in the history of the competition.
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The competition will also be the most watched Rugby League event in history thanks to the BBC’s live coverage of all 61 games in the men’s, women’s, and wheelchair competitions.
Catherine met the England Women’s Rugby League team after their match against Canada at halftime.
The World Cups for women and people with disabilities, which were played alongside the men’s championship for the first time, served as a showcase for rugby league.
