Prince William at the rugby match on March 14.
Credit: Press Association via AP
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Prince William cheered on Wales in their Six Nations rugby match against Italy on Saturday, March 14
William is patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, while his wife, Kate Middleton, is patron of the Rugby Football Union in England
The outing comes amid fallout surrounding his uncle, the former Prince Andrew, following his arrest and ongoing scrutiny of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein
Prince William kept calm and carried on with royal duties on Saturday, March 14, cheering on Wales during their Six Nations rugby match against Italy at Principality Stadium in Cardiff — an appearance that came during a turbulent moment for the royal family.
The Prince of Wales, 43, attended the match in his role as patron of the Welsh Rugby Union as the monarchy continues to grapple with the fallout from the arrest of his uncle, the former Prince Andrew, and ongoing protests tied to Andrew’s long-scrutinized association with Jeffrey Epstein.
Despite the mounting scrutiny facing the royal family, William appeared focused on the game as he took his seat in the stands to support the Welsh side in the annual international tournament.
Prince William and others at the rugby match on March 14.
Credit: Kieran McManus/Shutterstock
The Six Nations Championship is one of rugby’s most prestigious competitions, bringing together the men’s teams of England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales each year. Tournaments are also held for women’s teams and under-20 squads.
William’s patronage of Welsh rugby sometimes puts him in friendly rivalry with his wife, Kate Middleton, who serves as patron of the Rugby Football Union in England. The Prince of Wales has held his role since 2016, while the Princess of Wales took on her patronage in February 2022.
That appointment was one of Prince Harry’s former royal roles to be reassigned after he and wife Meghan Markle stepped back from their duties as working royals.
The rugby rivalry has even extended to the couple’s home life with their children — Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7 — who have also developed a passion for the sport.
According to The Sunday Times, William once joked that the household rivalry over rugby has become “quite the thing in the house,” though he said he was “trying to stay out of it.”
Prince William and others at the rugby match on March 14.
Credit: Kieran McManus/Shutterstock
William has long been known to enjoy the sport himself and often joins in during royal engagements.
During a visit to South Africa in November 2024 tied to his Earthshot Prize initiative, the prince took to the pitch with former rugby star Joel Stransky while coaching local children.
“He was amazing,” Stransky told PEOPLE at the time. “He was one of the boys, humble and upright human being.”
“I ran into him in the drill, and he was really cool about it,” the former player added with a laugh. “He’s a good ball player. You could see he’s a natural.”
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Wales have won the second-most championships in Six Nations history, with 28, behind only England, who has just one more. Conversely, Italy has never won a Six Nations championship, giving them some extra motivation in this year’s match.
However, coming into the game, Wales was at the bottom of the Six Nations table with just one point, while Italy was sitting in fourth with nine. Defending champions France were tied at the top with Scotland with 16 points apiece.
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