On January 15, 2026, Windsor Castle played host to a joyful and heartfelt reception that blended royal tradition with the spirit of sport and family. Catherine, Princess of Wales, welcomed the triumphant England Women’s Rugby team—the Red Roses—to celebrate their hard-fought victory in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. The event, held in the historic grandeur of the castle, highlighted Catherine’s longstanding patronage of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and offered a rare, warm glimpse into the Wales family’s private world of play and laughter.
Catherine, 44, arrived at the reception driving herself from the family’s nearby home in Windsor Great Park—a small but notable break from protocol that underscored her approachable style. Dressed in a striking red Alexander McQueen pantsuit that perfectly nodded to the team’s nickname, the “Red Roses,” she exuded confidence and enthusiasm. The scarlet ensemble, paired with elegant accessories including pearl earrings and a garnet necklace, set a vibrant tone for the afternoon. Despite rainy January weather, the mood inside was bright, with the gleaming World Cup trophy taking center stage as a symbol of the team’s achievement.
The Red Roses had clinched their third World Cup title in September 2025, defeating Canada 33-13 in a thrilling final at a packed Twickenham Stadium before a record crowd of 81,885 fans. It marked a triumphant return to glory for England women’s rugby, following earlier wins in 1994 and 2014. Catherine had followed the tournament closely, attending matches including a pool-stage victory over Australia in Brighton, where she even joined the players for a celebratory sing-song in the changing rooms afterward. As patron, she has consistently championed the sport, particularly its role in promoting fitness, teamwork, and inclusivity for all.
During the reception, Catherine mingled with the 32-player squad, RFU officials, and staff, sharing congratulations and posing for group photos. The team presented her with a signed jersey, a touching gesture that reflected the mutual respect between the princess and the athletes she supports. Amid the formalities, the conversation turned light-hearted and personal when Catherine opened up about how rugby fits into her family life at home.
Speaking to the players and journalists present, she praised the sport’s benefits for children, emphasizing that it should remain inclusive and fun without early gender-based restrictions. “It’s such a great game,” she said, noting how both boys and girls can enjoy it equally at younger ages. She revealed that her sons, Prince George, 12, and Prince Louis, play rugby at school, while Princess Charlotte, 10, joins in during family games at home. The Wales children are known to be active and sporty, often engaging in outdoor activities that foster physical confidence and sibling bonding.
Then came the moment that captured everyone’s attention—and drew smiles and laughter from the room. Catherine shared a candid, humorous observation about her eldest son’s growing strength: “Obviously, as they get physically stronger… George, now, if we play at home, I do not want to get tackled by George!”
The quip was delivered with perfect timing and self-deprecating charm, highlighting the playful yet realistic dynamic in the Wales household. At 12, Prince George is clearly developing into a formidable player, honing his skills on the field and perhaps bringing that competitive energy to backyard matches. Catherine’s light-hearted “rule” painted a vivid picture of family fun—tackles, laughter, and the occasional strategic retreat from a son who’s outgrowing his mum’s tackling range.
This wasn’t the first time rugby antics in the Wales family made headlines. Back in 2022, during an England vs. Wales Six Nations match, a young George had cheekily told his mother he was “learning to tackle” but hadn’t yet done so to her. Catherine, quick as ever, laughed and replied, “Yes you have!” The exchange showed how these games have long been part of family tradition, evolving as the children grow.
The princess used the opportunity to advocate broader values in sport. She stressed the importance of not “pigeonholing” boys and girls into specific activities too soon, allowing them to explore what they enjoy without stereotypes. Rugby, with its emphasis on teamwork, resilience, and physicality, fits perfectly into the active lifestyle the Wales family promotes. Catherine and Prince William have often spoken about encouraging their children to try various sports, from football and tennis to more adventurous pursuits, all while prioritizing enjoyment over pressure.
The reception, though briefly disrupted by the team’s bus breaking down en route (leading to a slightly shortened visit), remained a resounding success. Catherine’s warmth and genuine interest put everyone at ease, turning what could have been a formal event into a celebration of achievement and shared passion. She even jokingly inquired about any “sore heads” after the team’s celebratory party the night before, showing her easy rapport with the players.
Moments like these offer the public a relatable side of royal life. Behind the titles and protocol, the Wales family is much like any other—playing games, cheering each other on, and navigating the funny realities of growing children. Catherine’s comment about avoiding George’s tackles humanized her role as a mother, reminding everyone that even princesses face the same parental challenges (and humorous hazards) as families everywhere.
The event also reinforced Catherine’s commitment to women’s sport and empowerment. By hosting the World Cup winners and highlighting rugby’s inclusive appeal, she continued her work to inspire the next generation. The Red Roses’ success—built on dedication, skill, and unity—mirrors the values she instills at home and promotes publicly.
As the reception wrapped up, with photos capturing smiling faces and the trophy gleaming, it was clear this was more than a ceremonial gathering. It was a joyful intersection of royal duty, sporting triumph, and everyday family life. Catherine’s witty remark—“I do not want to be tackled by George”—will likely linger as one of the most endearing royal quotes of the year, a reminder that laughter, love, and a bit of playful caution keep family bonds strong.
In sharing this small, delightful insight, the Princess of Wales once again showed why she connects so deeply with the public: authenticity, humor, and a genuine passion for supporting others—whether elite athletes or her own growing children.
