Princess Kate was absent from the Women’s Rugby World Cup final on Saturday
10:22, 30 Sep 2025Updated 10:23, 30 Sep 2025
Catherine, Princess of Wales, Patron of the Rugby Football Union, takes part in rugby drills on the pitch with a number of local and professional players during her visit to Maidenhead Rugby Club on June 7, 2023 in Maidenhead(Image: UK Press via Getty Images)
Kate Middleton’s absence from a key event over the weekend has sparked criticism among Royal enthusiasts.
England’s women’s rugby union team, the Red Roses, defeated Canada in the Women’s Rugby World Cup on Saturday, securing their status as world champions. The national side defeated Canada 33–13 before a record crowd of 81,885 at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.
Despite not being present at the final, the Princess of Wales, patron of the Rugby Football Union and a keen rugby fan, congratulated the players on their victory.
Royal followers voiced their disappointment on social media regarding the Princess’ absence. Fans were quick to share their thoughts after Kensington Palace’s X message, in which the Prince and Princess of Wales thanked the Red Roses, reports the Mirror US.
One user wrote under the post: “Well done to England’s Roses today on their World Cup win. Just a shame that the Princess of Wales, as their Patron, was unable to be there today.”
A second one added: “I’m a real royal supporter, especially of the Prince and Princess of Wales. However, HRH Catherine should have been there today at the final; earlier appearances don’t negate not being there to support the team at the final.”
A third echoed similar sentiments, stating: “Where was the Royal Family and the government today? Shouldn’t they have been at Twickenham cheering on our remarkable women in the World Cup. Is it only tennis and football that they attend?”.
One final comment agreed: “Very disappointed that no Royal attended the final. It’s not often England host a World Cup Final and even less often England win it. Where is Kate as head of the English RFU?”.
Earlier, the Princess of Wales had shared a personal message and an unreleased photo from her visit to the Red Roses’ match against Australia in Brighton on 6 September, wishing them well. She penned: “Good luck England! Wishing the very best of luck to the @RedRosesRugby in their Women’s Rugby World Cup Final at Twickenham today. We’re so proud of you! C.”
According to Royal insiders who spoke to BBC, Catherine, who was diagnosed with cancer last year and is gradually returning to public life, is trying to find the right balance as she fully resumes her public duties.
The princess was reportedly upset that she couldn’t attend the June sporting event in Berkshire, where she would have taken part in the carriage parade.
King Charles, Queen Camilla, and her husband, the Prince of Wales, were expected to be in attendance.