Kate, Princess of Wales, has paid a solo visit to Wigan to watch the England men’s team win a place in the Rugby League World Cup semi-final. She also met the women’s team at half-time and told them she was “in awe” of their performance.
The men secured a comfortable victory of 46-6 over Papua New Guinea, while the women were also victorious in their match with Canada.
The Duchess joined in clapping during a moment of “non-silence” held to mark the tournament’s Movember Mental Fitness Match Day.
The aim is to tackle the damage wrought on men’s mental health by keeping silent and not speaking out.
Royals fans gushed on Twitter over the Princess’s appearance at the game, with @MarktheYorkshireman writing: “Isn’t this just fantastic?
“Our future Queen spending so much time with the players and mascots of both teams.
“What an absolutely genuine person, HRH seems …. just soooo lovely. God Bless Her.”
Another user @timsheringham posted: “It was lovely to see the Princess spend so much time chatting to all the players and the mascots, A day they will remember!”
User @crompono1 said to Kate: “Was great to see you taking so much time to chat with the little ones &….ignoring the red carpet !
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She added: “It’s amazing to see the women’s game being played at the same time, alongside the men’s game.”
The Princess told player Jodie Cunningham: “I’m so in awe of all of you, you’re running day jobs as well as training, as well as family life and things like that, it’s extraordinary. You juggle everything.”
Ms Cunningham replied: “There are some incredible women on this team.”
Kate also said the inclusivity of the sport was “really impressive”, and added: “That’s why I’m so proud to be patron.”
