Kate Middleton reveals George’s favourite activity – and how little brother Louis is a ‘ kamikaze’ when he plays it
KATE Middleton today revealed Prince George loves playing rugby - and described his little brother Louis as “kamikaze” when he plays the sport.
The Duchess of Cambridge made the revelation during an England training session declaring she is “very proud” of her new role as patron of the Rugby Football Union (RFU).
The duchess, who is known for her love of sport and her competitive nature, took to the pitch with players for a special skills session this morning, run by head England coach Eddie Jones.
And amid the action, she revealed how much her two sons love the sport.
Speaking to the players, proud mum Kate said George, eight, plays rugby and netball with girls and boys at his school, Thomas’s Battersea.
She added: “Now that there is a move towards co-ed sport, so it’s not just girls playing netball, but other sports like rugby, which is great.”
Of her children’s enthusiasm for rugby, she added: “They’re all enjoying it, Louis is kamikaze, we’re worrying about when he gets older, he’ll be in the middle of everything.”
Kate joined players, referees and coaches at Twickenham today, where she was put through her paces to mark her new role.
As the women’s team presented her with junior England kits for George, Charlotte and Louis, Kate, told them: “I’m very proud to be here. I’ve got lots to learn, I’ve been looking at different players and tactics.”
England women's rugby ace Sarah Hunter hailed Kate as the new patron of English rugby as “a really powerful movement and message” for the women’s game.
She said: “It is amazing to have Her Royal Highness as our patron, to have an iconic woman like the Duchess of Cambridge advocating for the sport and encouraging more young people to come through, is so good for the game. She was very interested and we chatted about grass roots rugby.
"It’s a great feeling that she’s part of our rugby family. That she was so keen to get stuck in there, scrummaging, says a lot. She has natural ability and co-ordination and even scored a try at Twickenham!"
Speaking after her visit, Maro Itoje, Saracens second row, said: “It was great, she takes a keen interest. She was very engaging and seems very happy to be here.
"She was talking about how George is playing a bit of rugby and how he’s a bit bigger than some of the other boys, so there can be a bit of a differential there.
"She was also saying how when England play Wales, it’s going to be very interesting in their household."
Prince William is the patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, taking over the role from the Queen in 2016.
Asked about her playing skills, Itoje added: “She’s very good for someone who doesn’t regularly play rugby. Her skills are very high.”
Wearing a black England rugby top, black tracksuit bottoms and trainers, Kate was earlier asked whether she was ready for her session as she was greeted at Twickenham.
The duchess replied: "Absolutely. I've got my kit on."
IN THE HEIR
Kate then switched into a pair of rugby boots as she headed onto the pitch, laughing and chatting with fellow players.
Moments later, she was seen flying through the air, taking on a number of drills and showing off her line-out skills.
Kate has taken over the Duke of Sussex's former roles as patron of both the RFU and the Rugby Football League (RFL) after being given them by the Queen.
She is the first member of the Royal Family to officially receive one of the Sussexes' past royal patronages after Megxit.
Sharing her joy at the appointments in a personal message on Twitter, she wrote: "I am so thrilled to become patron of the @TheRFL and @EnglandRugby.
"Two fantastic organisations who are committed to harnessing the power that sport can have in bringing communities together and helping individuals flourish.
"I look forward to working with them across all levels of the games, and to cheering England on in what promises to be an exciting year for both sports!"
I look forward to working with them across all levels of the games, and to cheering England on in what promises to be an exciting year for both sports!
Catherine
Her message was accompanied by a new video of the duchess, dressed in workout gear, showing off her skills, as she throws, catches and smiles as she spins a rugby ball on her finger, and virtually passes to a host of players.
Confirming Kate's appointment today, Kensington Palace said the role closely aligns with her "longstanding passion for sport and the lifelong benefits it can provide".
Chief Executive of the Rugby Football League Ralph Rimmer said the organisation is "honoured" and "delighted" to welcome Kate.
Mr Rimmer said in a statement: "We are truly honoured by the appointment of The Duchess of Cambridge as the Rugby Football League’s Royal Patron.
"We are delighted to welcome her as we prepare to host Men’s, Women’s, Wheelchair and Physical Disability Rugby League World Cups in England this autumn.
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"Our sport’s history has been built on a commitment to tackling inequalities and we honour that through our focus on having a positive social impact well beyond the pitch.
"We look forward to working with The Duchess in the years to come, and I know all levels of our sport will welcome her to the Rugby League family."