Catherine, The Princess of Wales, as the Patron of the Rugby Football League, participated in the Rugby League Inclusivity Day hosted by the Rugby Football League, Hull FC and the University of Hull. This was Catherine’s third engagement of the week after a visit to Cardiff on Tuesday to celebrate the British Black History Month and yesterday’s visit to Ukrainian Community Hub.
About the visit, Kensington Palace said, “The visit will highlight the significant value and impact of Disability Rugby League on its participants, their families, and local communities, and shine a spotlight on the power of sport to tackle inequalities, and support and develop individuals regardless of their circumstances or background. The Rugby Football League is committed to ensuring that no individual is excluded from accessing and enjoying Rugby League”.
The Princess of Wales, Patron of the @TheRFL has been in Hull to take part in a Rugby League Inclusivity Day hosted by the RFL, Hull FC and the University of Hull. She scored a conversion at first attempt and said her three children love the sport, especially the collisions! pic.twitter.com/DGRMpqI1Tr
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) October 5, 2023
During her visit to the Allam Sports Centre at the University of Hull, The Princess of Wales, despite her injured fingers, joined a training session run by members of the world-cup-winning England Wheelchair Rugby League squad. Kate got her fingers injured in September this year while jumping on a trampoline. She was heard saying to a court member today, “’I’m worried about my finger, but willing to try”.
The squad was joined by students from Hull FC’s Centre of Excellence as they learned about and experienced the different forms of Disability Rugby League.
From People Mag’s report, “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 Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) October 5, 2023
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. England’s Wheelchair Rugby League team were crowned World Champions in November 2022.
The Princess of Wheels? Watch the Princess, Patron of the Rugby Football League, put through her paces with members of England’s World Cup winning Rugby League Wheelchair team at the Rugby League Inclusivity Day in Hull pic.twitter.com/hg6yrqCcD8
— Matt Wilkinson (@MattSunRoyal) October 5, 2023
In January this year, Catherine, The Princess of Wales hosted a reception for the Rugby Wheelchair team at Hampton Court Palace in recognition of their success.
Kate was also briefed 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.
The Princess of Wales has been the patron of England Rugby and Rugby Football League since February 2022. A role that was previously held by her brother-in-law, The Duke of Sussex. Last month, she jetted to Paris to cheer up the English team for their qualifying World cup match.
Kensington Palace continued, “The Hull FC Centre of Excellence provides a holistic, industry-specific programme for 16-18 year olds who are interested in physical activity and working in sport, attracting and developing the best talent both locally and from further afield. Committed to enhancing the grassroots development of Rugby League across the country, the programme aligns both coaching and education to give its students the very best opportunities to succeed and progress straight into the sporting industry, or into further education”.
The Moment when the #PrincessofWales says to me i dont think i am going to STOP as she took part in a wheelchair rugby session at the University of Hull Rugby League Inclusivity Day. @yorkshirepost @JayMitchinson #Royals #photographey @MarisaCashill pic.twitter.com/xnwGTBcxRz
— Simon Hulme (@SimonHulmeYPN) October 5, 2023
We were delighted to welcome the HRH Princess of Wales at Hymers College after today’s appointment in the city. She met with our Head, Mr Stanley and Vanessa, one of our heads of school, before surprising some excited students with a quick chat and high fives! pic.twitter.com/aI0zl16vnt
— Hymers College (@Hymers_College) October 5, 2023
What The Princess of Wales wore to Rugby Inclusivity Day
- Rugby Football League Polo Shirt – (New)
- Rugby Football League Track Pants – (New)
- Lululemon Chargefeel 2 Low Women’s Workout Shoes – (New)
- Spells of London Medium Twist Hoops – (Repeat – first wore in March 2022 during a Wales visit)
Ditching her smart corporate look, Princess Kate chose for a sporty look today. The Princess of Wales was wearing a Rugby Football League blue tracksuit with white Lululemon shoes.
From this Friday, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis will be on school break. Their half term break starts on Friday October 13th and will end on 29th October with kids being back to school on October 30th. We might not see Princess Kate during this period as families usually take time away whenever the children are on school break.
