“This Is Where She Belongs” — Princess Catherine Was Completely in Her Element at the Windsor Castle Reception, as Insiders Say Her Presence ‘Felt Like a Turning Point’ for the Monarchy

The Princess of Wales was all smiles as she welcomed England’s Red Roses to Windsor Castle to celebrate their Rugby World Cup triumph last autumn.

Dressed in an apt scarlet trouser suit, Kate, 44, hosted the winning women’s rugby squad, known as the Red Roses, with the World Cup trophy taking centre stage at the reception.

The royal followed the team’s campaign in her role as patron of the Rugby Football Union, watching from the stands when they defeated Australia in Brighton in a pool match, and then joining the players when they held a celebratory sing-song in the changing rooms.

In the final, the Red Roses beat Canada 33-13 in front of a record 81,885 spectators who filled a sold-out Twickenham, a third World Cup victory following wins in 2014 and 1994.

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© Toby Shepheard / Kensington Palace

Handing out the gifts

Kate had plenty of gifts for the winning ladies, as the royal saw the trophy in person.

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© Toby Shepheard / Kensington Palace

Royal tour cancelled

A tour of Windsor Castle had been scheduled for the day, but after the team’s coach broke down en route, it had to be cancelled. Hopefully another time!

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© Alamy Live News.

Keen fan

The royal is a keen sports fan, and she followed the women rugby team’s triumph in last year’s tournament.

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© Toby Shepheard / Kensington Palace

MBEs

Many of those that were at the event had been honoured with OBEs and MBEs during the New Years Honours. These included Zoe Stratford, Marlie Packer, John Mitchell, Megan Jones, Sadia Kabeya and Ellie Kildunne.

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© Toby Shepheard / Kensington Palace

Winning trophy

The royal looked so glamorous as she stood with the trophy and was handed a jersey.