England's Red Roses Celebrated at Windsor Castle

The Princess of Wales rolled out the red carpet for champions who deserve every bit of celebration they received.

England's Red Roses rugby team arrived at Windsor Castle Thursday to mark their stunning World Cup victory last autumn. The women's squad beat Canada 33-13 in front of a record-breaking 81,885 spectators at Twickenham, becoming world champions for the third time.

Princess Kate, who serves as patron of the Rugby Football Union, greeted the team with warmth and genuine admiration. She immediately asked how it felt to accomplish something they'd worked so hard to achieve, acknowledging both the physical and emotional investment the sport demands.

The celebration started with the Band of the Irish Guards playing the team's favorite tournament anthems as players stepped off their bus. Captain Zoe Stratford, vice captains Marlie Packer and Megan Jones, and Sports Personality of the Year nominee Ellie Kildunne were among those who toured the castle before the formal reception.

Kate shared a personal moment that shows how the team's success ripples beyond the professional arena. She told the players that all three of her children love playing rugby at school, both in lessons and at playtime, with boys and girls enjoying the contact sport together.

But the Princess admitted with a laugh that things are changing at home. "George now, especially at home, you do not want to get tackled by George!" she said about her 12-year-old son, who is growing stronger every day.

Why This Inspires

This celebration represents more than one team's victory. The Red Roses filled Twickenham Stadium beyond capacity, proving that women's rugby has arrived as a major sport that captures the public imagination.

Ellie Kildunne made history as the first female rugby player ever nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year, finishing second. "We've been told no one's going to watch women's rugby and no one's bothered," she said, "so to be nominated for something as big as Sports Personality is something I'm hugely proud of."

Several team members received honors in the New Year list. Captain Stratford, head coach John Mitchell, and double World Cup winner Packer were all named OBEs, while Kildunne, Jones, and standout back row Sadia Kabeya received MBEs.

Kate presented the team with a formal photo opportunity and received a signed rugby shirt from the entire squad. The Princess, wearing a perfectly chosen red suit for the occasion, made sure the World Cup trophy took center stage throughout the reception.

From the first women's World Cup in 1991 to selling out one of rugby's most iconic stadiums, the Red Roses are showing young athletes everywhere what determination and teamwork can achieve.

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