UK (Commonwealth Union) _The Princess of Wales was present to watch the quarter-final match against Fiji at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille.
Princess Catherine was greeted by RFU president Rob Briers, and World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont, before being shown to her seat in the presidential box at Marseille’s Stade Velodrome.
Princess Catherine watched from the stands as England defeated Fiji to claim a place in the semi-finals in the Rugby World Cup.
The Princess, who witnessed England beat Fiji 30-24 in the match on Sunday was thrilled to meet the team behind the scenes after their glorious win. Princess Catherine congratulated the players in their changing room following the intense clash with Fiji.
Princess Kate who beamed as she celebrated England’s victory at the Rugby World Cup quarter final in France, looked effortlessly elegant in a white double-breasted blazer from Zara and formal black trousers.
The royal mum-of-three was delighted to shake hands with Manu Tuilagi, who scored a first-half try for England. She was also pictured posed alongside players Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum.
It came after England made it through to the Rugby World Cup semi-final after a late scare against Fiji.
Although Borthwick’s men won the game 30-24 they needed a late drop goal and penalty from Owen Farrell to put them through to the semis.
Despite a late Fiji siege, the drop goal that put the Red Rose side back in front was straight out of the Jonny Wilkinson play-book before another penalty, taking him to 20 points, and edging them home.
Fiji pulled two tries back in the second half after trailing by 14 but were eventually ousted by Farrell’s late brilliance.
The Princess of Wales asked Sir Bill if he was “still surviving” after all the games so far to which he replied “Absolutely” and added that it had been “brilliant” and he had witnessed 18 matches.
Sir Bill then inquired if George had enjoyed the match on Saturday to which she replied: “He did, he loved it so much.”
Speaking to Mr Briers, Princess Catherine added: “Let’s keep our fingers crossed. I’ve been watching a few games. It’s been really great.” She said it had been a really successful World Cup.
The Princess who was the patron of the Rugby Football Union, also attended England’s opening match of the tournament in September when they beat Argentina.
Her visit to France follows Prince George’s travel to Marseille on Saturday with his father, the Prince of Wales, to cheer on Wales, but saw the team’s dream of World Cup victory come to an end with defeat by Argentina.
While the Princess of Wales, his mother supports the England rugby side as the patron of the Rugby Football Union, Prince George, appears to have made his loyalties clear by attending the Wales game.
The 10-year-old royal Prince George travelled to the Stade de Marseille with his father the Prince of Wales on Saturday for the first international sporting fixture to be watched by him in person, overseas.
The royal pair were greeted by Sir Bill; France 2023 deputy chief executive; Martine Nemecek; and Welsh Rugby Union president, Gerald Davies.
Prince George stepping forward to shake the former England player’s hand and say hello was the first to be welcomed by Sir Bill.
Prince William laughed and chatted with the former England captain, telling him: “Nice to see you. I thought I’d bring George along tonight.”
Prince George, is gearing up for school entrance exams this autumn, and plays rugby at school.
England finished on the top of their pool, winning all four of their games, while Fiji finished second in their pool, beating Australia and Georgia, but narrowly lost to Wales and Portugal.
Fiji beat England in late August 30-22 at Twickenham in a warm-up game for the tournament.
