Kate Middleton sends special message to England's three World Cup squads in Australia

Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, has issued a special message to England's Men's, Women's and Wheelchair Rugby League teams as they travel to Australia for the Rugby League World Cup.

The message was shared on the joint social media account she runs with William, Prince of Wales. It went out on 17 October 2026 as the tournament gets under way in Australia, with all three England squads making the long journey south, according to Hello! Magazine.

It was short and warm. Good luck to all three teams. That was the whole point.

The post appeared on the Prince and Princess of Wales account, listed on Instagram as @princeandprincessofwales. The channel carries official photographs, visit updates and the occasional personal note from the couple. This was firmly in that personal-note style, written to be read by players and supporters alike.

Kate took on the Rugby League patronage in 2022. A patron, in royal terms, is the formal public supporter of a body, lending a name, turning up and following its fortunes rather than running it day to day. She took over the role from Prince Harry after he stepped back from senior royal duties, according to Hello! Magazine.

Australia hosts the tournament this time. England are represented in each of its three strands, with separate men's, women's and wheelchair competitions played under the one World Cup banner. For supporters in England, that means late nights and early mornings to follow the games from home.

The Princess has held the rugby league role for four years. It is one of the sporting patronages that stayed visible through changes in her diary, and the choice to name all three squads together reflects how the sport now presents itself. Men's, women's and wheelchair internationals travel as England teams of equal standing.

What makes this stand out for fans is the directness. No palace reception. No lengthy speech. Just a message on a feed millions already follow, timed for departure.

For anyone picking this up for the first time, the set-up is simple. England have sent three teams to one tournament on the other side of the world. Their royal patron has wished them well. Now the rugby starts.