Princess Kate Sends Heartfelt Good Luck Message to England Ahead of Rugby League Ashes Clash

Princess Kate has shared a heartfelt good-luck message with England’s Rugby League team ahead of the long-awaited return of the Rugby League Ashes at Wembley — the first full series in 22 years.

As patron of both the Rugby Football League and the Rugby Football Union, the Princess of Wales offered her support as England gears up to take on world champions Australia in the opening Test of the three-match series.

In a personal message released by Kensington Palace on Saturday morning, the Princess wrote:

“Wishing England the very best of luck in their first Rugby League Ashes campaign in 22 years.”

“An exciting new chapter for the game begins at Wembley Stadium today. We are all behind you! – C,” the Princess added, signing the message with her trademark initial.

The long-awaited revival of the Rugby League Ashes marks a major milestone for the sport, bringing back one of rugby’s most historic rivalries to the international stage.

It’s been more than two decades since England — previously competing as Great Britain — last faced Australia in a full three-Test Ashes series back in 2003.

The Aussies have dominated the rivalry, winning the past 13 consecutive series, while England is now determined to break a 55-year drought, having last lifted the Ashes trophy in 1970.

A strong turnout is expected at Wembley this afternoon, with excitement running high nationwide for the long-awaited clash that has long defined the fierce Anglo-Australian rivalry in the 13-a-side game.

Kick-off is set for 2.30pm, with the second and third Tests to follow on back-to-back Saturdays — November 1 at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium and November 8 at AMT Headingley in Leeds, both starting at 2.30pm.

On the field, England will be led by captain George Williams, while Australia’s Isaah Yeo takes charge of the Kangaroos.

Head coach Shaun Wane has blended seasoned experience with emerging talent in hopes of engineering a major upset against the dominant Australians, who enter the series as heavy favourites after yet another powerhouse NRL season.

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The stakes couldn’t be higher for England, who have managed to snatch the occasional Test win in recent years but have struggled to turn those flashes of brilliance into a full series triumph.

Beyond the scoreboard, today’s opening clash carries powerful symbolic weight for the sport’s revival.

Organisers have deliberately chosen grand, high-profile venues to showcase rugby league to a wider national audience — starting at Wembley, before moving on to Liverpool and Leeds for the remaining Tests.

It’s an ambitious strategy that reflects growing confidence the iconic England–Australia rivalry can once again capture the public’s imagination, reigniting old passions and drawing in a new generation of fans after more than two decades without a full Ashes tour.

Early ticket sales have been strong, fuelling optimism for packed stands throughout the three-match series.

For England, the challenge lies in channelling the occasion’s energy without letting the scale of it become overwhelming.

Coach Shaun Wane’s squad combines hardened Test veterans who know the grind of international rugby with dynamic young players whose pace and flair could unsettle the Australians.

As ever, discipline, kicking pressure, and composure in the key moments are expected to decide the contest. England’s ability to dominate territory, stay error-free, and keep their cool under pressure will be vital if they hope to seize early momentum at Wembley.

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