The Palace has confirmed an exciting update for royal fans: Catherine, the Princess of Wales, is kicking off 2026 with her first solo royal engagement of the year — and it’s a celebration of sporting triumph that highlights her passion for rugby and women’s achievements.

On Thursday, January 15, 2026, the Princess hosted the England women’s rugby team, known as the Red Roses, at Windsor Castle. This special reception honored their historic victory at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in September 2025, where England defeated Canada 33-13 in the final at Twickenham Stadium before a record-breaking crowd of over 81,000 fans. This marked England’s third World Cup title and extended their remarkable winning streak.

The event was full of pride and pageantry. The team, led by Captain Zoe Aldcroft, along with players, staff, and coaches (including several recent OBE recipients like Marlie Packer and head coach John Mitchell), toured the historic royal residence. They presented the Rugby World Cup trophy to the Princess, shared signed memorabilia such as a team jersey, and posed for official group photographs. The atmosphere was joyful, with smiles, laughter, and moments of shared celebration.

As Patron of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) since 2022 — a role she took on following the redistribution of patronages — the Princess has been a dedicated champion of the sport, especially women’s rugby. Her enthusiasm shines through in her support for teamwork, resilience, and community impact, values that align perfectly with the team’s success.

This solo duty follows closely after a joint appearance with Prince William on January 8, 2026, when the couple visited frontline health workers at Charing Cross Hospital amid winter pressures. The rugby reception adds a more celebratory tone, spotlighting national achievement and equality in sport.

Adding extra charm is the light-hearted family rivalry it underscores. While Catherine backs England, Prince William serves as Patron of the Welsh Rugby Union. The couple has playfully leaned into this competition — notably attending separate matches during the 2025 World Cup, with Catherine cheering England against Australia and William supporting Wales against Fiji. With England topping the global rankings and Wales sitting at 12th after an early exit, Catherine holds the bragging rights — all delivered with her trademark good humor.

The royal family’s rugby connections run deep. Commentator and former England star Mike Tindall (married to Zara Tindall) has shared fun anecdotes about Catherine’s athletic talent. During her 2022 patronage launch at Twickenham, she impressed professionals with her kicking skills — much to Tindall’s mock disappointment when he couldn’t find any “gossip” for the family WhatsApp group!

This Windsor Castle reception sends a powerful message about recognizing excellence, promoting women’s sports, and inspiring young people across the UK. It reaffirms why the Princess of Wales remains one of the monarchy’s most admired figures: she blends royal tradition with genuine relatability, grace with competitive spirit, and duty with real enthusiasm.

Royal watchers didn’t have long to wait — Catherine is back in action, smiling, engaged, and quietly winning hearts (and perhaps a little friendly rivalry at home). Here’s to more moments like this in 2026! 🏉👑