The Royal Story The Royal Story
Kate Middleton, 44, was spotted arriving at a sports ground car park in the Berkshire village of Wargrave near Oxfordshire on Sunday morning (February 1) to cheer on her seven-year-old son, Prince Louis, from the sidelines.
The Princess, who was said to be keeping a low profile, was seen warmly chatting with other parents after arriving at around 10:10am to watch him take part in a local friendly match.
Kate Middleton was dressed in a long dark green coat, opting for natural makeup and styling her hair in a relaxed ponytail for the outing.
The Princess, who resumed public duties toward the end of 2024 after completing chemotherapy treatment, has so far made two official appearances this year, including hosting a reception at Windsor Castle for England’s women’s rugby team.
She also made a surprise joint visit alongside Prince William to Charing Cross Hospital in west London in January. Last year, she also visited Home-Start Oxford at the Rose Hill Community Centre.
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Volunteers and families were delighted when Kate Middleton joined a training session at the centre last October, an appearance that left a strong impression on those present.
More recently, during the football match in Wargrave, a father whose 17-year-old daughter was also playing said he first learned of the Princess’s presence through a message from one of the parking volunteers, confirming she had come to watch her youngest child, Prince Louis.
He explained that “the parents of the local team knew what was happening and were quite excited.” He added that one parent messaged him saying, “Princess Kate is here.”
Recalling the moment they met, he said: “At the game, this woman was coming towards me and it was Princess Kate and I said hello.” He added that “all the parents ran out to greet her. She was very nice and friendly.” Joking about the excitement, he said, “If the parents had flags, they’d have been waving them.”
He also noted that other parents quickly recognised Louis and that Kate appeared comfortable among people she already knew, keeping the visit low-key. According to him, “she got out of the car and there was no big commotion.” He added, “She had makeup on but was completely informal,” and said “most people didn’t realise she was even there.”
His wife, who chose not to be named, said the children present were thrilled to see the Princess of Wales. She explained that “they were pleasantly surprised and happy that someone so important was there.” She added that “when they first realised she was there, the children were very excited.”
She also reflected that “it may seem surprising, but when you’re trying to raise children as normally as possible, it’s nice to see she still does things like that.” She noted that “there were no obvious bodyguards, although they must have been present, and she was keeping a low profile despite the terrible weather.” Summing up the scene, she said Kate appeared to be “just a regular mum watching her son play football and looking nicely turned out.”
Witnesses also said the Princess spent time chatting and laughing with other parents, accompanied only by what appeared to be limited security.
