Duchess Kate breaks royal tradition with talks with England women’s rugby team
Kate Middleton isn’t afraid to shift into high gear.
In fact, the Princess of Wales recently broke traditional royal norms and drove herself to a reception hosted by the England women’s rugby team at Windsor Castle to commemorate their September 2025 World Cup victory.
Kate, who is a patron of the team, arrived at the royal venue behind the wheel of a black car and exited from the driver’s side of the car, as seen in footage shared with X. No one else was in the car with her, and she was immediately greeted by a staff member, who accepted an offered umbrella to keep her out of the rain.
The move was unusual, as members of the British royal family are usually chauffeured to events. However, Windsor Castle is not far from Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, where the Duchess lives with Prince William and their children Prince George (12), Princess Charlotte (10) and Prince Louis (7). The family moved there from Adelaide Cottage in October 2025.
For the sporting event, Kate wore a red tailored pantsuit, which she styled with a simple white blouse and matching red heels. Her brown hair was left in waves around her face.
