Kate Middleton opted for navy sportswear to a rugby engagement in Hull on Thursday (5th October 2023).
The Princess of Wales looked the part dressed in a navy blue polo top and tracksuit bottoms as she joined a Rugby League Inclusivity Day hosted by the Rugby Football League, Hull FC, and the University of Hull.
Kate met with members of Hull FC’s diverse rugby teams, including the Wheelchair, Physical Disability, and Learning Disability Rugby League teams, alongside students from Hull FC’s Centre of Excellence.
She had a hands-on experience with wheelchair rugby, joining a training session facilitated by members of the England Wheelchair Rugby League squad.
She also took part in a ball skills session and drills with Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) and Learning Disability Rugby League (LDRL) players, learning about the different formats of Disability Rugby League.
During the afternoon, Kate received a surprise as a player approached her from behind and tickled her waist. The surprised Princess took the playful gesture in good spirits and smiled and said hello to the boy. See the moment below:
You’ll probably notice two of the Princess’s fingers are still wrapped in bandages following her trampolining accident earlier in the month. During the afternoon, Kate mentioned that she was worried about her finger but still willing to give the rugby activities a go.
The Princess put her all into the training, almost crashing into a post during one of the wheelchair games with the England Wheelchair Rugby League.
England’s WRL coach, Tom Coyd, was genuinely impressed with Kate’s manoeuvring. Explaining that he wasn’t just being kind because of her royal status, he remarked “I’m not just saying this because it’s her, but it’s the first time I’ve ever seen anyone score a conversion at their first attempt. I think she’s been having secret practise sessions before coming here … She blew me away to be honest.”
The Princess wanted to shine a spotlight on the transformative impact of Disability Rugby League on its participants and the wider community, and highlight the empowering narrative of sports as a conduit to tackle inequalities, and to bolster personal development regardless of one’s circumstances.
Wheelchair Rugby League is currently the most inclusive format across Rugby League, providing the opportunity for all to play together regardless of gender or disability.
Hull.ac.uk
Kate is Patron of English rugby. She became the figurehead for both Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League in February last year.
In January this year, Kate attended a reception with the England Wheelchair Rugby League Team at Hampton Court Palace. The Princess celebrated the team’s victory in the recent World Cup. The team beat rivals France in the final, making it England’s first World Cup triumph since the tournament began in Australia in 2008.
Let’s take a look at Kate’s sporty ensemble in Hull.
Kate’s sporty rugby outfit:
The Princess ditched the professional look—something she’s been favouring of late—for sports wear. Highly appropriate given the nature of the engagement, I’m sure you’ll agree.
She dressed in a blue polo neck tee, tracksuit bottoms and a zip top all from Oxen, a brand from the Elite Pro Sports Group.
The Yorkshire-based company works with professional sports teams across Great Britain to create kits and garments for players and athletes. England Rugby League is one of their partners.
Kate’s dressed in the Rugby Football League Staff kit. As you’ll notice, Kate’s clothing is printed with the RFL logo.
If you’re in need of sportsgear for your own athletic endeavours, you’ll be pleased to know you can buy the Oxen goods online— without the RFL branding. The polo costs £32, the tracksuit bottoms are £35, and the zipped top is £45. All three items are crafted from performance/tech polyester and feature the Oxen logo printed on the front.
Elite Pro Sports is a 30 year old sporting goods company, with experience in production, retail and e-commerce.
On her feet, Kate wore the Lululemon Chargefeel workout shoe, a chunky white sneaker high performance sneaker designed for an array of activities, including running, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), hiking, and more.
Kate debuted the sneakers at a rugby event earlier this summer.
The Chargefeels are beautifully designed with impressive tech specs—you’d expect no less from Lululemon, a brand well-known for its technical athletic apparel.
The shoe features an engineered mesh upper providing breathability, stretch, and support, coupled with a cushioned liner for ‘second-skin-level comfort.’ The dual-density midsole offers a balance of bounce and support suitable for running and rigorous training workouts.
For those wanting to copy Kate’s sporty style, you can find a new and improved version of the Chargefeel shoe on Lululemon’s website for £128 / $138. Shop UK / Shop USA. Other countries/currencies available too. Just use the dropdown menu on the top left of the site to choose your preferred locale.
The shoe comes in a few different colours, including mint white (see below), silver/white, white/sage and clay/peach.
We suspect Kate is a Lululemon devotee. We’ve spotted the Princess wear a jacket from the brand too (to an engagement in Derry-Londonderry in 2021).
Lululemon has garnered a dedicated following over the years. Many fashion aficionados swear by their high-quality activewear and appreciate the brand’s attention to detail and design. It’s become more than just gym gear for some—more of a lifestyle choice. Perfect for those who value both style and functionality.
Kate finished her sporty outfit with her Medium Twist Hoops from Spells of Love.
The elegant hoops are crafted with a twisted design using gold vermeil that covers a sterling silver base. (Vermeil is often regarded as a good process for long-lasting wear).
Each pair of twist earrings is handmade, to order using recycled materials . Plus, each pair is delivered in 100% plastic-free and biodegradable mailing bags. They’re an eco-friendly, sustainable choice for people—like Kate—who wish to reduce their environmental impact.
We’ve spotted the Princess wearing the earrings on multiple occasions since 2022, they’re fast becoming a staple in her jewellery collection.
You can add the gold hoop earrings to your jewellery collection by visiting the Spells of Love website. You can pre-order the pretty pair for £60. Due to demand (thanks to their royal endorsement), expect delivery in 10-12 weeks.
Kate’s no stranger to Spells of Love jewellery. We count three other items in her jewellery box. The gold angular Alia hoop earrings, the gold Double Strand Satellite Beaded Chain necklace, and the Teardrop Garnet earrings.
Spells of Love is a luxury jewellery brand located in Wales. In addition to their commitment to creating timeless, beautiful items, the brand are committed to sustainability and ethical production.
She looks stunning, elegant and happy. Sports are clearly the Princess’s happy place! She always looks super in smart casual and in sporting gear.