Princess Kate steps out for solo engagement as rivalry with William heats up

Princess Kate has stepped out solo today in Brighton to watch the England team play against Australia in the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025. As patron of the Rugby Football Union (RFU), Princess Kate, 43, has been spotted at rugby matches before cheering on the England team.

This is despite the fact her husband Prince William always supports Wales as patron of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU). While the Princess of Wales arrived at the Brighton and Hove Albion Stadium alone today to watch England compete, William, 43, headed to Exeter to cheer for his team clashing against Fiji.

It is believed that William and Kate, 43, experience a friendly rivalry over the fact the princess supports England when it comes to rugby and the prince supports Wales.

They have both been seen multiple times over the years at rugby games supporting their teams.

William and Kate have spoken many times in the past about how their children Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, also love the game.

At a rugby match in Cardiff earlier this year, William and Kate revealed that their sons both compete in the sport.

Speaking to rugby players about their weekend routine, William said: "At weekends we go from one competition to the next."

Kate then said: "Louis is six and he's just started touch rugby and George is 11 and he plays a bit more. They do really enjoy it."

Both William and Kate have worn black today, with the Princess of Wales wearing a white blouse underneath a black blazer, as the Royal Family are in a period of mourning following the death of Katharine, the Duchess of Kent. The 92-year-old passed away at Kensington Palace on Thursday night, surrounded by family.

In a statement published yesterday, William and Kate wrote: "Our thoughts today are with The Duke of Kent and his family, particularly George, Helen and Nicholas. The Duchess worked tirelessly to help others and supported many causes, including through her love of music. She will be a much missed member of the family. W & C."