Princess of Wales Joins Mexican Wave, Visits Australian Team as England Beats Australia 47-7 in Women’s Rugby World Cup

Catherine, Princess of Wales, joined a Mexican wave from the stands and made a surprise visit to the Australian dressing room after England’s Red Roses defeated Australia 47-7 in a Women’s Rugby World Cup group-stage match Saturday at the American Express Stadium in Brighton.

The princess, who is patron of the Rugby Football Union, was animated throughout the game, cheering and laughing with spectators as England built a commanding lead. After the match she entered the Wallaroos’ locker room, shook hands with players and offered encouragement, saying she was a “massive supporter of women’s sport” and praising the crowds at the tournament.

In footage shared by the Australian team on social media, the princess asked players about adapting to the tournament away from home and complimented their performance in the early stages of the game. Members of the Wallaroos greeted her with cheers, and several players appeared visibly moved by the unscheduled visit.

England’s victory leaves the Red Roses at the top of their group. The match was one of several high-profile fixtures involving members of the royal family this weekend: Prince William attended Wales’s match against Fiji at Sandy Park in Exeter, where Wales narrowly lost.

Catherine took over the RFU patronage in 2022. The role was previously held by Prince Harry; he relinquished the position as part of arrangements following his move away from senior royal duties. The princess has long been publicly associated with sport, holding patronages that include the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club and maintaining a visible presence at events such as Wimbledon.

Her attendance on Saturday came as the royal couple resumed public duties following their summer break. The Prince and Princess of Wales had earlier visited the Natural History Museum in London and shared a message of condolence this week after the death of the Duchess of Kent, whom they described as having “worked tirelessly” to help others.

Both Catherine and William have posted messages supporting national teams ahead of World Cup fixtures. In recent weeks the princess sent a message wishing the Red Roses well as they “kick off their Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign” and saying she looked forward to “cheering you on and seeing the team rise to the challenge on home soil.” The prince similarly posted in Welsh and English in support of Wales’s squad.

Catherine’s appearance in Brighton underlined the tournament’s high profile on the home schedule and the increasing visibility of women’s sport in the United Kingdom. The princess’s engagement included not only spectating but direct personal interaction with players, reflecting an ongoing royal interest in promoting and supporting sporting events and charitable causes linked to youth and community participation.