As England defeated Argentina in the opening round of the Rugby World Cup, the Princess of Wales was enjoying a quick trip to France.
Catherine, the patron of English rugby, was clearly ecstatic as England defeated the South American country 27–10 while she was seated in the Presidential Box at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille. She had conversations with World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont, France 2023 chairman Jacques Rivoal, and RFU president Rob Briers prior to the game.
Photo: Getty Images
She expressed her regret for her brief visit to Sir Bill by saying, “Prince William and I are very happy to be here. “Shame we can’t stay here longer,” she said, then expressed her optimism that the competition would be “brilliant.”
Although Prince William, the Princess’s spouse, accompanied her to the opening matches of the tournament, she visited the match alone without him. On Sunday, the Prince will travel alone to watch Wales play Fiji.
Photo: Getty Images
Photographs from the Presidential Box showed Catherine laughing with other guests, including Sir Bill, and looking a little nervous as Argentina managed to take a three-point lead early in the match. It was evident that Catherine was enjoying the match.
The royal couple has been preparing for the competition all week, and they even spoke about their passion for sports with Mike Tindall on his podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby.
Photo: David Rogers
During a special recording in Windsor Castle’s Green Drawing Room, Catherine and William made light of their rivalry. Before jokingly stating, “I don’t know where this has come from,” Catherine said, “I don’t think we’ve actually been able to finish a game of tennis.” It turns into a mental competition between the two of us,” William said, adding that they attempt to “out mental” one another in order to win.
Photo: Clement Mahoudeau
William and Catherine, who traveled to France soon after their trip to West Wales, have had an incredibly busy week. The couple, who were photographed on Friday, spoke with volunteers at the St. Davids RNLI Lifeboat Station in Pembrokeshire.
They made an emotional appearance after attending a service earlier in the day to mark the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.
