Prince William and Kate Middleton send luck to Women's Six Nations players

The Prince and Princess of Wales have extended their best wishes to the players and support staff participating in the Women’s Six Nations Championship, which commences on Saturday.

In a joint message shared across their official social media accounts on Friday, the royal couple expressed their anticipation for the international rugby union competition.

“Here's to an exciting start to the tournament and some unforgettable rugby,” the statement read, marking the beginning of a highly anticipated season for the women's game.

The tournament highlights a light-hearted rivalry within the royal household, as the couple holds opposing patronages. Prince William has served as the patron of the Welsh Rugby Union since 2016.

In contrast, the Princess of Wales assumed the roles of patron for England’s Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League in 2022, succeeding the Duke of Sussex.

This friendly competition often sees the pair cheering for different sides during the annual championship, which features national teams from England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales.

England’s "Red Roses," the current world champions, enter the tournament on Saturday bidding for an eighth successive title and a fifth consecutive Grand Slam.

The team returns to the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham for the first time since their World Cup final victory over Canada in September 2025.

Their defence begins with a home fixture against Ireland, with more than 70,000 supporters expected to attend.

The championship remains a cornerstone of the sporting calendar, having grown significantly in public profile since the professionalisation of the women’s elite squads in recent years.