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Princess Kate has shared a surprise special message just hours after photos emerged from her recent private trip.
On Saturday, the Princess of Wales issued a special message in honour of the Rugby League World Cup starting in Australia.
The 44-year-old future Queen became patron of Rugby League in 2022, following an appointment by Queen Elizabeth II. Catherine took over the role from Prince Harry after he stepped back from his senior royal duties.
Taking to her joint social media account she shares with her husband, Prince William, Kate noted, “Wishing the England Men's, Women's and Wheelchair Rugby League teams the very best as they travel to Australia for the Rugby League World Cup.
She added, "Good luck to all the players, coaches and support staff representing England on the world stage. C."
The statement was posted alongside a video released by Rugby League in the lead-up to the tournament.
Princess Kate's low-key outing
Notably, this heartfelt message came after Princess Kate unveiled a new portrait taken in Cornwall on Thursday by royal photographer Josh Shinner.
Wearing a patterned jumper and Barbour jacket, she was surrounded by nature.
The portrait accompanied a video message announcing a new project with the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, exploring how nature supports babies’ and young children’s social and emotional development.
Speaking to the camera, the royal said: "New scientific research shows just how important nature is for our physical and psychological wellbeing. Nature is such an extraordinary environment for us all and in this tech-driven, digital age, spending time outdoors has never been more important."
Ending her video with a smile, she added: "My hope is through this practical nature-based research, we can build supportive environments that make nature more accessible, benefitting babies, young children, and their families across the UK."
The Court Circular, which records the royal family’s official engagements, confirmed that Prince William and Princess Catherine spent Thursday afternoon privately in Nansledan, Cornwall, where the portrait was captured.
