While much of Britain is still basking in the quiet rhythm of summer, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, took a pause from her private holiday to share a deeply personal and heartfelt message that has left royal fans delighted.
On August 22nd, Catherine, 43, surprised many when she broke away from her summer retreat with Prince William and their three children, to post an encouraging note on the official Kensington Palace social media channels.
The message was directed to the England women’s rugby team, known affectionately as the Red Roses, as they prepared to launch their campaign at the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
“Wishing the Red Roses the very best as they kick off their women’s rugby World Cup campaign tonight.
I look forward to cheering you on and seeing the team rise to the challenge on home soil,” wrote the Princess of Wales.
She ended her note simply with the letter C. A personal touch signaling that the words came directly from her. Both Catherine and William use their initials when they wish to speak to the public in their own voice.
The match, set against the backdrop of a buzzing Stadium of Light in Sunderland, was scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. local time, where the Red Roses would face off against the United States.
This message was more than just encouragement for a national team. It carried the weight of Catherine’s new role within the rugby world. As patron of both the Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Football League, positions she inherited after Prince Harry stepped back from royal duties, the princess’s words represented her ongoing commitment to promoting the sport and supporting its athletes.
Catherine has already proven her enthusiasm for the role. Shortly after her appointment, she attended a training session at the iconic Twickenham Stadium, donning sportswear and actively taking part in drills alongside professional players.
Her involvement was met with admiration, with Rugby League chief executive Ralph Rimmer saying at the time, “We are delighted to welcome her as we prepare to host men’s, women’s, wheelchair, and physical disability rugby league World Cups in England this autumn.”
Her message also highlighted the unique royal family connection with rugby. While she champions the English side, her husband, Prince William, is the patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, and his aunt, Princess Anne, holds the same position for the Scottish Rugby Union. It’s a rare example of a family passion being spread across all corners of the United Kingdom.
For now, Catherine continues to enjoy her well-deserved break with Prince William and their children — Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7.
The family traditionally spends the late summer months away from the spotlight, savoring time together before the busy royal calendar resumes in autumn. Her last public appearance before stepping back for the holidays was at Wimbledon in mid-July.
True to tradition, Catherine graced the royal box for the finals on both July 12th and 13th in her role as patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Fans were thrilled when she brought along Prince George and Princess Charlotte for the men’s singles final, a rare family outing that captivated royal watchers worldwide.
Now, even while out of the public eye, Catherine’s latest message proves that her sense of duty never truly pauses. With just a few words, she reminded fans that she is not only a devoted mother and wife, but also a patron deeply investe
