Why Kate Middleton might already have lost this battle with Prince George - and it was kind of inevitable
Kate Middleton might already have lost a friendly competition to Prince William after Prince George made a special appearance

The Princess of Wales might already have lost this battle with Prince George - and, thinking about it, it was kind of inevitable.
In recent years the Prince and Princess of Wales have been gradually introducing Prince George to public life whilst ensuring he still gets to fully enjoy his childhood. From accompanying his parents to events like Wimbledon and the Euros to being a Page of Honour at King Charles’ coronation, the 10-year-old has been given a glimpse of the responsibilities that lie ahead. His most recent public appearance was in France where he watched the Rugby World Cup.
The decision for Prince George to watch the rugby likely delighted many fans. But it’s also very significant as it could have signalled that Kate has already lost a light-hearted but long-running battle with her eldest son.
Gilded Youth: An Intimate History of Growing Up in the Royal Family by Tom Quinn | £17.59 at Amazon
Exploring what it's like to grow up in the Royal Family, Tom Quinn brings together historical sources with testimonies from palace staff. There are tales of royal mischievousness, including surprising anecdotes about Queen Elizabeth and Prince William, and it's shocking, funny and insightful all at once.
Whilst both the Prince and Princess of Wales were in France over the weekend to watch the rugby, they were there supporting different teams. As Patron of Welsh Rugby Prince William watched Wales in their Quarter Final against Argentina on Saturday and as Patron of the Rugby Football Union Kate cheered England on in their Quarter Final against Fiji.
Prince George didn’t go to both matches and instead either he chose or it was decided by his parents that he would go to watch Wales with his dad. This might seem unimportant, but it could be very intriguing given that when he was asked back in 2022 which of his parents’ teams he was supporting at a Wales vs England game, Prince George shrugged and didn’t give an answer.
Prince William reportedly responded, “It's become quite the thing in the house”, before pointing at Kate and adding, “She is quite into it, I'm trying to stay out of it."
The Prince of Wales echoed how competitive Kate is about their friendly team rivalry earlier this year at the Wales vs England Six Nations 2023 match. According to the BBC the Prince of Wales joked, "It's going to be a very tense journey home. If we win today my wife won't speak to me. It will be a tense evening."
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
The recent decision for Prince George to watch Wales and not England with Kate could potentially suggest that he could now have edged towards supporting his father’s team and that Kate might have already lost the competitive battle. Though of course it possible that other logistical reasons could have inspired the choice for him to watch Wales on 14th October.
However, him supporting Wales at some point this could also be somewhat inevitable given Prince George is set to succeed his father as Prince of Wales. With this in mind it would make sense that if Prince George has to decide a team loyalty it would end up being Wales as he grows up and prepares for his future role.
Meanwhile, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis could feel more drawn to support their mother’s team which would also be a lovely way to balance loyalties out within the wider family. Sadly, Wales lost to Argentina in the Quarter Finals and so Kate will be eagerly waiting to see if England can progress to the Final by beating South Africa in their Semi Final on 22nd October.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. She specialises in the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
'Life doesn't end at 40. We keep living' - Alison Steadman's honest approach to ageing is just as incredible as her
Alison Steadman's enthusiastic stance on getting older is an attitude we should all take on board
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Is Apple Cider Vinegar a true story? The real tale behind Netflix's influencer scam drama
Apple Cider Vinegar tells the story of Belle Gibson, an influencer who claimed a healthy diet plan cured her cancer - but how much of the drama is true?
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Carole Middleton has always been Kate's 'rock' as 'unflappable' family matriarch
Carole Middleton is 'very proactive' and has been 'amazing' as a source of support for the Princess of Wales all her life
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton marks World Cancer Day with heart-warming new photo taken by Prince Louis
The Princess of Wales has shared a special post ahead of World Cancer Day 2025 and it features a powerful reminder
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's foodie compromise for Prince William that we bet she'd make for King Charles
The Princess of Wales has developed a way to keep everyone happy when she makes a signature dish and it involves tweaking the method
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's favourite Zara dress is the monochrome style gift that keeps on giving - and we love its versatility
The Princess of Wales brought back her checked Zara dress for her first visit to Wales in 2025 and it looked as stylish as ever
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton makes first trip to Wales in 2025 as special new patronage is announced
The Princess of Wales has travelled to Wales for the first time this year as she was announced the Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Lady Louise Windsor could step up to be vital support to Prince William in 'years to come'
Lady Louise could potentially be 'willing' to help out her cousin Prince William one day even if she doesn't become a working royal
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
The chunky boot trend Kate Middleton comes back to every year effortlessly blends comfort and style
The Princess of Wales's chunky boots are perfect for the colder months and there are three designs she particularly loves to wear
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William make poignant appearance as a duo for first time this year
The Prince and Princess of Wales paid their respects as they attended a service to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2025
By Emma Shacklock Published