We’ve gotten used to the Princess of Wales’s selective over-the-top “performances” when she knows she’s being photographed, but yesterday was something else. Kate was extremely pumped to spend time with the Red Roses, England’s national women’s rugby team. The team won the women’s Rugby World Cup last September, in a widely-watched match held in London. Kate didn’t bother to go. She didn’t offer any excuses for why she refused to go. Then she waited three and a half months to hold a reception for the team at Windsor Castle. That reception went down on Thursday, and the photos in this post are from the reception.
It was all very… lights, camera, jazz hands! And gurning! But whatever, I hope those rugby ladies enjoyed their time with Red Gumby. Her suit was from Alexander McQueen, and it was a repeat. It’s been years since she wore it though, so at least she went for a deep cut. Tatler claimed that while Kate went solo at the reception, she “paid tribute” to Prince William with her earrings. Wait until you hear the tribute: her earrings are pearls, and pearls are William’s birthstone. Guys… Kate’s not paying tribute to that bald demon every time she wears pearls.
Kate said something halfway controversial to the Red Roses – she talked about how schoolkids shouldn’t be divided by gender when they play sports: “It’s such a great game, actually, they shouldn’t necessarily need to pigeonhole boys and girls into particular sports too early… Obviously, as they get physically stronger… George, now, if I play at home, I do not want to get tackled by George! But no, up to a certain age it’s great. Sports like swimming at school is very much co-ed.” Well, I agree in theory although I wasn’t a sporty kid and I hated having to play coed sports. But whatever. Kate has an opinion! Boys and girls should play coed sports when they’re little!
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red.
- Britain’s Kate, Princess of Wales, smiles as she gestures meeting members of the England Women’s rugby team, at Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, the team won the Women’s Rugby World Cup in September 2025.,Image: 1066368174, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: POOL PHOTO, *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Kin Cheung/Avalon
- Britain’s Kate, Princess of Wales, is introduced by John Mitchell head coach of the England Women’s Rugby team to meets members of the team, at Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, the team won the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.,Image: 1066368265, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: POOL PHOTO, *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Kin Cheung/Avalon
- Britain’s Kate, Princess of Wales, meets members of the England Women’s rugby team, at Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, the team won the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.,Image: 1066368392, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: POOL PHOTO, *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Kin Cheung/Avalon
- 15/01/2026. Windsor, UK. The Princess of Wales, Patron of the Rugby Football Union, hosts a reception at Windsor Castle for the England Women’s Rugby team, following their World Cup win in September 2025. The players and team staff were given a tour of the Castle, before joining Her Royal Highness to celebrate their achievement. The team then posed for a formal group,Image: 1066369455, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: © Kensington Palace. This image is free for use but may only be used for news or editorial reporting purposes. This image must NOT be used for any commercial or other use, save for news or editorial reporting and cannot be altered or amended in any manner, Model Release: no, Credit line: Toby Shepheard / Kensington Palace/Avalon
- 15/01/2026. Windsor, UK. The Princess of Wales, Patron of the Rugby Football Union, hosts a reception at Windsor Castle for the England Women’s Rugby team, following their World Cup win in September 2025. The players and team staff were given a tour of the Castle, before joining Her Royal Highness to celebrate their achievement. The team then posed for a formal group,Image: 1066369469, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: © Kensington Palace. This image is free for use but may only be used for news or editorial reporting purposes. This image must NOT be used for any commercial or other use, save for news or editorial reporting and cannot be altered or amended in any manner, Model Release: no, Credit line: Toby Shepheard / Kensington Palace/Avalon
- Britain’s Kate, Princess of Wales, gestures as she speaks to members of the England Women’s rugby team, at Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, the team won the Women’s Rugby World Cup in September 2025.,Image: 1066369659, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: POOL PHOTO, *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Kin Cheung/Avalon
- Britain’s Kate, Princess of Wales, meets members of the England Women’s rugby team, at Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, the team won the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.,Image: 1066369696, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: POOL PHOTO, *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Kin Cheung/Avalon
- Britain’s Kate, Princess of Wales, left, looks at a signed rugby shirt and other memorabilia with Zoe Stratford, captain of the England Rugby team as she meets members of the team, at Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, the team won the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.,Image: 1066369718, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: POOL PHOTO, *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Kin Cheung/Avalon
- Britain’s Kate, Princess of Wales, meets members of the England Women’s rugby team, at Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, the team won the Women’s Rugby World Cup in September 2025.,Image: 1066369739, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: POOL PHOTO, *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Kin Cheung/Avalon














