Princess Kate backs England's Red Roses with social media shout‑out ahead of 2025 Rugby World Cup final

Royal support from afar

Even though Princess Kate missed the historic showdown at Twickenham, her presence was felt in the digital realm. Hours before the final whistle, the Princess of Wales posted a simple yet spirited message on her official account – a "good luck" note paired with a cowboy hat emoji. Fans and players alike shared the post, turning it into a viral rallying cry for the Red Roses.

Kate has been the patron of England’s rugby teams for years, often spotted mingling with players in training camps or at charity matches. This time, a tight schedule and overlapping royal duties kept her off the stadium seats, but the tweet proved that a quick tap on a phone can still carry the weight of royal endorsement.

Impact on women's rugby and the sport’s surge in popularity

The final, held on September 27, 2025, drew a record-breaking crowd for a women’s rugby match, signaling the sport’s rapid ascent after the Paris Olympics spotlighted female athletes. The Red Roses delivered a polished performance, beating their rivals to lift the trophy and cementing their status as a global powerhouse.

Analysts say that the combination of high‑profile royal patronage, increased media coverage, and the excitement generated by Olympic success creates a perfect storm for growth. Grassroots clubs across England have reported spikes in youth registrations, and broadcasters are lining up more prime‑time slots for women’s matches.

While the Princess’s tweet was brief, its ripple effect was significant. Sponsors pointed to the post when touting their involvement, and merchandise featuring the cowboy hat emoji sold out within hours. In a sport where visibility is still catching up to the men’s game, even a single emoji can spark conversation and draw new eyes to the pitch.