Prince William, Prince of Wales and Princess Catherine made an exciting announcement during their Easter break on Friday. The couple paused family time with their three children to share a personal message supporting the Women’s Six Nations rugby championship kicking off this weekend.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Tournament Start: Women’s Six Nations kicks off Saturday, April 11, running through May 17, 2026
- Royal Rugby Patrons: William is patron of Welsh Rugby Union; Catherine leads English Rugby Football Union
- Key Rivalry Match: England faces Wales on April 25 at Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol at 2:15 PM
- Family Time Interrupted: The royals paused Easter holidays to show support from their official social media accounts
Breaking Easter Silence with Rugby Support
Prince William and Princess Catherine stepped away from their family holiday to celebrate women’s rugby. The couple’s official X account posted a motivational message shared by World Rugby: “As the Women’s Six Nations gets underway this weekend, wishing all the players and support staff the best of luck!” They signed the post with their initials, W & C, indicating a personal touch from both royals. The message included both Welsh and English flag emojis, highlighting their friendly rivalry in the sport.
The message continued: “Here’s to an exciting start to the tournament and some unforgettable rugby.” This announcement showed the couple’s genuine passion for rugby while managing their Easter commitments with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
The Waleses’ Growing Rivalry in Rugby
William has served as patron of the Welsh Rugby Union since 2016, while Catherine took over patronage of the English Rugby Football Union in February 2022. This patronage placement created a natural playful rivalry between the couple. In September 2025, they attended matches on the same day but supported different nations during the Women’s Rugby World Cup, showcasing their commitment to their respective teams.
The couple previously discussed this rivalry on the podcast “The Good, The Bad & The Rugby,” where Catherine admitted, “It is really challenging,” maintaining professionalism during Wales vs. England games. William added with humor, “There’s a certain amount of bravado that goes on around the Wales and England games.”
Tournament Details and Key Matchups
The Women’s Six Nations Championship 2026 features rugby’s finest female athletes across six nations, including England, Wales, Ireland, France, Italy, and Scotland. Round 1 takes place this Saturday with multiple key fixtures. England’s Red Roses will face Ireland, while Wales opens against Scotland. The tournament has grown into one of rugby’s most thrilling spectacles.
| Tournament Detail | Information |
| Tournament Name | Guinness Women’s Six Nations 2026 |
| Duration | April 11 to May 17, 2026 |
| England vs Wales Match | April 25, Ashton Gate, Bristol at 2:15 PM |
| England Status | Defending champions, pursuing eighth consecutive title |
“As the Women’s Six Nations gets underway this weekend, wishing all the players and support staff the best of luck. Here’s to an exciting start to the tournament and some unforgettable rugby.”
— Prince William and Princess Catherine, The Prince and Princess of Wales
Royal Family’s Deep Love for Rugby
The Wales family shares a genuine passion for rugby that extends beyond patronages. During a January visit to West Yorkshire, Catherine revealed that Princess Charlotte plays multiple sports, including rugby and football. “Charlotte’s playing both the sports now, and it’s really good to see youngsters, particularly girls, playing these types of sports,” she stated enthusiastically. The royals’ sons are also keen rugby players at school, demonstrating the sport runs deep in their household.
Their commitment to women’s rugby reflects broader royal support for female athletes and equal opportunities in sports. Prince William’s attendance at club matches and Catherine’s earlier attendance at England women’s games show their willingness to be present for both nations’ competitors, regardless of personal patronage duties.
Why This Easter Announcement Matters for Women’s Rugby
Breaking from holiday traditions to share a message demonstrates the significance placed on women’s rugby in the royal family’s schedule. The couple’s interruption of family time sends a powerful signal about valuing female athletes and major sporting competitions. This public endorsement during Easter, a major family holiday period, underscores sports’ importance to the monarchy. Will the royal couple make appearances at matches throughout the tournament as they have in previous years?
