The Princess of Wales headed to Hull to take part in the fun as part of her role she took over from Prince Harry
Kate Middleton is showing off her rugby skills – from a wheelchair.
The Princess of Wales took part in a rugby game to highlight the inclusivity in the sport, when she visited Hull in the northeast of England on Thursday. She also joined a training session run by members of the world-cup-winning England Wheelchair Rugby League squad.
The royal’s main focus of the day was to highlight the positive impact the Disability Rugby League has on those who play the sport. Princess Kate, 41, also wanted to show how sports can help tackle inequalities and provide a platform for people to develop their skills and fitness regardless of their circumstances or background.
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The outing is part of her role as patron of the Rugby Football League – a position she took over from brother-in-law Prince Harry when he stepped back from his royal duties.
Kate joined in the day’s activities hosted by the Rugby Football League, Hull FC and the University of Hull where members of Hull FC’s Wheelchair, Physical Disability and Learning Disability Rugby League teams played in non-competitive matches and training skills sessions. Students from Hull FC’s Centre of Excellence also took part, as part of their training in the different forms of Disability Rugby League.
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During her visit, Hull FC’s Wheelchair, Physical Disability and Learning Disability Rugby League presented the royal with jerseys for her children: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5. Kate reportedly told England’s coach Tom Coyd, 28, that the kids love watching the team play. “She told me that the collisions on the TV is what hooked the kids in,” Coyd said, per The Daily Mail.
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Wheelchair Rugby League is currently the most inclusive format across Rugby League, providing the opportunity for all to play together regardless of gender or disability.
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Kate was also told about Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL), a full-contact version of the game adapted for players with physical disabilities who want to access a running version of the sport, and Learning Disability Rugby League (LDRL), a non-competitive version of the sport specifically adapted for those with learning disabilities.
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The Princess of Wales also took part drills on ball skills with PDRL and LDRL players, and students from Hull FC’s Centre of Excellence. At the Centre for Excellence, 16-18-year-old students take their first steps towards possible careers of working in sports, or to other further education. It is committed to broadening the development of Rugby League, from its popular base in the north of England to across the U.K.
In January, the princess hosted a reception for England’s Wheelchair Rugby League team at Hampton Court Palace in recognition of being crowned World Champions last November.
