Princess Kate Channels Red Roses and "Feminine Energy" for England Women's Rugby World Cup Celebration

Princess Kate at the Women's Rugby World Cup Celebration — (Image credit: Getty Images)

Princess Kate celebrated a big win for England at Windsor Castle with an elegant reception for the England Women’s Rugby Team, following their victory last September. The Princess wore a striking red suit from Alexander McQueen to welcome them and celebrate the historic win. The England team enjoyed a tour of Windsor Castle before joining the Princess at a reception in the glittering hall.

Princess Kate wore a bright red, asymmetrically-cut blazer and coordinating trousers from Alexander McQueen, designed by Sarah Burton during her tenure at the iconic British design house. Paired with a crisp white shirt, statement pearl earrings, and a delicate red-stoned pendant from Auree London, the look was professional and patriotic. In a show of Princess Kate’s expertise in sartorial diplomacy, red and white are the official colors for England Rugby.

Britain's Kate, Princess of Wales, meets members of the England Women's rugby team, at Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, the team won the Women's Rugby World Cup in September 2025. — Princess Kate at the Women's Rugby World Cup celebration.

Kate, Princess of Wales, poses with members of the England Women's rugby team, at Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, the team won the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup. — Princess Kate poses for a photograph with the England Women's rugby team.

Britain's Kate, Princess of Wales, gestures as she speaks to members of the England Women's rugby team — Princess Kate chats with team members at the reception.

The Princess of Wales wore an unmissable pair of pearl earrings to the reception. The vintage statement earrings were purchased at Katherine Jones and featured five “creamy and lustrous pearls” set in 18k gold. According to The International Gem Society, pearls are associated with “feminine energy” and “power,” making them an ideal choice to celebrate a women’s team’s physical achievement.

The Princess of Wales became patron of the English Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Football League in 2022, taking over the mantle from Prince Harry. Since then, she has regularly attended key matches for both men’s and women’s rugby. This has created a heated rivalry in the household, as the Prince of Wales holds the patronage for the Welsh Rugby Union.

Christine Ross is a freelancer writer, royal expert, broadcaster and podcaster. She's worked with news outlets including the BBC, Glamour, Talk TV, ET, PBS, CNN and 20/20 to cover the foremost royal events of the last decade, from Prince George’s birth to the coronation of King Charles III.

She previously served as co-host of Royally Us, a weekly royal podcast by Us Weekly. As a freelance writer and royal commentator she provides expert commentary, historical context and fashion analysis about royal families worldwide, with an emphasis on the British Royal Family.