The triumphant England women's rugby union team enjoyed a royal celebration with the Princess of Wales at Windsor Castle, despite a logistical hiccup that saw their coach break down en route.
A Royal Reception for World Champions
Kate, the Princess of Wales, hosted the victorious squad, with the Women's Rugby World Cup trophy taking pride of place at a special reception honouring their historic win. The royal, who is patron of the Rugby Football Union (RFU), had followed the team's campaign closely, even watching from the stands when they beat Australia in a pool match in Brighton.
The event at Windsor on Thursday 15 January 2026 was almost derailed when the team's bus experienced a mechanical failure. This unfortunate incident meant the players missed out on a planned private tour of the historic castle, but they still managed to make it in time for the celebratory gathering with the Princess.
Celebrating a Record-Breaking Victory
The reception celebrated England's third World Cup title, following previous wins in 1994 and 2014. The Red Roses secured the 2025 trophy with a commanding 33-13 victory over Canada in the final. That match was played in front of a record crowd of 81,885 spectators at a sold-out Twickenham Stadium.
Kate's support for the team was hands-on. After the final in September, she and Prince William were among the first to publicly congratulate the team. The Princess also famously joined the players for a celebratory sing-song in the changing rooms during the tournament, showcasing her enthusiastic patronage.
Honours for Sporting Excellence
The guest list at Windsor read like a who's who of English rugby royalty, featuring several players recently recognised in the New Year Honours list.
Key attendees included:
- Captain Zoe Stratford (OBE)
- Double World Cup winner and flanker Marlie Packer (OBE)
- Head coach John Mitchell (OBE)
- Vice-captain Megan Jones (MBE)
- Standout back-row player Sadia Kabeya (MBE)
- Sports Personality of the Year nominee and full-back Ellie Kildunne (MBE)
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the team for showing "the very best of England and inspiring a generation," while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch hailed their "incredible performance" as a proud moment for the nation.
The event underscored the soaring profile of women's rugby in England and the royal family's committed support for the sport, proving that not even a broken-down bus could stop the champions' celebrations.
