Kate Middleton is showing off her rugby skills – from a wheelchair.
The Princess of Wales took part in a rugby game to highlight the inclusivity in the sport, when she visited Hull in the northeast of England on Thursday. She also joined a training session run by members of the world-cup-winning England Wheelchair Rugby League squad.
The royal’s main focus of the day was to highlight the positive impact the Disability Rugby League has on those who play the sport. Princess Kate, 41, also wanted to show how sports can help tackle inequalities and provide a platform for people to develop their skills and fitness regardless of their circumstances or background.
The outing is part of her role as patron of the Rugby Football League – a position she took over from brother-in-law Prince Harry when he stepped back from his royal duties.
Kate joined in the day’s activities hosted by the Rugby Football League, Hull FC and the University of Hull where members of Hull FC’s Wheelchair, Physical Disability and Learning Disability Rugby League teams played in non-competitive matches and training skills sessions. Students from Hull FC’s Centre of Excellence also took part, as part of their training in the different forms of Disability Rugby League.
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During her visit, Hull FC’s Wheelchair, Physical Disability and Learning Disability Rugby League presented the royal with jerseys for her children: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5. Kate reportedly told England’s coach Tom Coyd, 28, that the kids love watching the team play. “She told me that the collisions on the TV is what hooked the kids in,” Coyd said, per The Daily Mail.
Wheelchair Rugby League is currently the most inclusive format across Rugby League, providing the opportunity for all to play together regardless of gender or disability.
Kate was also told about Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL), a full-contact version of the game adapted for players with physical disabilities who want to access a running version of the sport, and Learning Disability Rugby League (LDRL), a non-competitive version of the sport specifically adapted for those with learning disabilities.
While they were practicing, people from the PDRL, LDRL, and Hull FC’s Center of Excellence showed the Princess of Wales how to handle the ball. For 16–18-year-olds, the Center for Excellence is the first step toward a career in sports or further education in other fields. It wants to build up Rugby League all over the UK, not just in the popular north of the country.
The princess celebrated England’s win as World Champions in Wheelchair Rugby League in November by throwing a party at Hampton Court Palace in January.
The Princess of Wales took part in a rugby game to highlight the inclusivity of the sport during a visit to Hull in northeast England on Thursday. She also joined a training session run by members of the World Cup-winning England Wheelchair Rugby League squad.
The royal’s focus for the day was to emphasize the positive impact of the Disability Rugby League and how it benefits those who participate. Princess Kate, 41, aimed to showcase how sports can bridge inequalities and provide a platform for people to develop their fitness and skills, regardless of their background or circumstances.
As the patron of the Rugby Football League—a role she assumed from her brother-in-law, Prince Harry, after he stepped back from royal duties—Kate was actively involved in the day’s events. The activities, hosted by the Rugby Football League, Hull FC, and the University of Hull, included non-competitive matches and training sessions with Hull FC’s Wheelchair, Physical Disability, and Learning Disability Rugby League teams. Students from Hull FC’s Centre of Excellence also participated as part of their training in the various formats of Disability Rugby League.
During her visit, the royal was presented with jerseys for her children: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5. England’s coach Tom Coyd shared that Kate mentioned how much her kids enjoy watching the games on TV. “She told me that the collisions on the TV is what hooked the kids in,” Coyd said, according to The Daily Mail.
Wheelchair Rugby League is one of the most inclusive forms of rugby, offering the opportunity for everyone to play together, regardless of gender or disability. Kate was also introduced to other versions of the sport, including Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL), which allows players with physical disabilities to engage in a full-contact running version of the game, and Learning Disability Rugby League (LDRL), a non-competitive version adapted for those with learning disabilities.
While practicing with members from the PDRL, LDRL, and Hull FC’s Centre of Excellence, Kate was taught how to handle the rugby ball. The Centre of Excellence, which caters to 16- to 18-year-olds, serves as the first step toward a career in sports or further education in various fields. Its mission is to promote Rugby League across the UK, expanding the sport’s reach beyond its traditional northern strongholds.
Earlier this year, the princess also celebrated England’s triumph as World Champions in Wheelchair Rugby League by hosting a special event at Hampton Court Palace in January. Her ongoing involvement with rugby showcases her dedication to promoting inclusivity in sports and her commitment to supporting various athletic communities across the UK.
