Princess Kate’s iconic sports moments make headlines

As Kate Middleton continues to step away from public life following her cancer diagnosis, a new video of her sporting prowess is making waves.

Kate is known as one of the most sporty members of the royal family, with passions for tennis, hockey, sailing, rugby and swimming. Since marrying Prince William in 2011, Kate has showcased many of these sports during her official duties and to raise funds for charity.

In 2022, Kate was appointed by Queen Elizabeth II as patron of the England Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Football League, a role that was returned to the royal family when Prince Harry stepped down from his royal duties two years ago.

Since taking on the role, Kate has taken part in a number of rugby-themed events, including training sessions with the England 2022 and 2023 national teams.

A video of her training with the Great Britain Women’s National Team in 2022 was uploaded to social media site TikTok by user @princess__jo and has gone viral.

The video, which has been viewed more than 270,000 times, shows Kate taking part in a lineout drill and being hoisted into the air to catch a ball thrown in during the game.

Kate also tried kicking, catching and passing along the line with some of the team’s stars.

The video has received more than 2,300 likes and numerous comments, many of which praise the princess and address her recent health issues.

“A true princess, the beautiful Kate,” one TikTok fan wrote.

“She will be a great queen,” wrote another, adding: “Praying for Kate and family.”

Since announcing her cancer on March 22, Kate has received an outpouring of support from social media users, celebrities and world leaders.

President Joe Biden was one of several celebrities to send a personal message to Princess Kate. Hours after Kate announced she was undergoing “preventive chemotherapy” following her cancer diagnosis, President Biden posted on Twitter, “Jill and I join millions around the world in praying for Princess Kate’s full recovery.”

British Chancellor Rishi Sunak also issued a statement saying, “The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the entire nation.”

Since Kate’s announcement, Kensington Palace in London has maintained it will not provide updates on her health.

Instead, fans are hoping Prince William will show how his wife is coping through comments he makes during public appearances.

On June 5, members of the royal family attended the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings during World War II. In Portsmouth, southern England, a veteran asked Kate if she was “getting better.”

“She’s getting better,” the Prince was heard to reply. “She would have loved to be here today.”

Kensington Palace announced in May that Kate would not return to work until she was given the medical clearance, but in a statement in March she said she was looking forward to resuming her duties.

“I hope you understand that our family needs time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment,” Kate said.

“My work has always brought me deep joy and I look forward to returning to work when I am able to, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.”

James Crawford Smith NewsweekI’m a royal correspondent for the 2019 UK edition and am based in London. You can find me on X (formerly Twitter). translator Read his story NewsweekThe Royals Facebook page.

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