Princess Kate has sent a good-luck message to England ahead of the return of the Rugby League Ashes at Wembley today, the first full Ashes series in 22 years.
As patron of both the Rugby Football League and Rugby Football Union, her support comes as England prepares to face world champions Australia in the opening Test of a three-match series.
In a personal message shared by Kensington Palace on Saturday morning, the Princess wrote:
“Wishing England the very best of luck in their first Rugby League Ashes campaign in 22 years.
“An exciting new chapter for the game begins at Wembley Stadium today. We are all behind you! C”
The Ashes revival marks a major moment for international rugby league.
Not since 2003 have England (previously Great Britain) and Australia contested a full three-Test Ashes series.
Australia has won the past 13 series, and England is aiming to end a 55-year drought dating back to 1970.
Princess Kate backs England with heartfelt message before Rugby League Ashes clash
|GETTY
A strong crowd is expected at Wembley this afternoon, with interest high across the country for a fixture that has long defined Anglo-Australian rivalry in the 13-a-side code.
Kick-off is at 2.30pm, and the second and third Tests follow on consecutive Saturdays: November 1 at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium and November 8 at AMT Headingley in Leeds, each scheduled for 2.30pm.
On the field, England is captained by George Williams, while Isaah Yeo leads Australia.
England coach Shaun Wane has leaned on experience alongside rising talent to try to upset the Kangaroos, who arrive as favourites following another dominant NRL season and a deep pool of in-form players.
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Princess Kate is the patron of the England Rugby team | GETTYThe historical stakes are clear: while England has won individual Tests in recent decades, turning that into a series victory has proved elusive.
Today’s opener also carries symbolic weight for the sport’s growth push.
Organisers have targeted large, marquee venues to showcase rugby league to a national audience: Wembley now, followed by Liverpool and Leeds.
The strategy reflects confidence that the rivalry can draw new fans and rekindle old passions after two decades without a full Ashes tour.
Princess Kate wearing an all black suit at the Rugby World Cup earlier this year
| PAEarly sales have been strong, with optimism around attendance throughout the series.
For England, the task is to harness the occasion without being overwhelmed by it.
Mr Wane’s squad blends veterans who understand the grind of Test football with players whose form and flair can trouble Australia.
Discipline, kick pressure and composure in big moments have often separated these nations; England’s ability to control field position and limit errors will be critical if they are to seize momentum at Wembley.