Lo, amidst the mourning that hath lately befallen the Royal House by reason of the passing of the venerable Duchess of Kent, there was yet a moment of brightness, for Her Royal Highness, Catherine, Princess of Wales, did make her presence known at the lists of Rugby.
At the great ground of Brighton & Hove Albion, where England’s maidens of Rugby contended against the women of Australia, the Princess did take her place amongst the folk. With radiant countenance and hair newly lightened, she smiled most graciously, her visage like unto the sun breaking through clouds, and the multitude were gladdened at the sight.
Though clad in attire modest and dark, befitting the solemn season of mourning, Her Grace’s cheer did not falter. With clapping hands and joyful laughter, she lent her voice unto the Red Roses of England, who now seek glory in the Women’s World Cup. Verily, she seemed in her element, being herself a lover of sport since her earliest days.
Far away in Exeter, her lord, Prince William, gave his support unto the women of Wales, though they were sorely bested by the warriors of Fiji. Thus were the loyalties of the royal house divided — the Prince for Wales, the Princess for England — a contest even within the hearth of their own home. Yet in good humour do they bear it, as jesting William himself did confess, saying it is “quite the thing in the house.”
It is remembered that the patronage of Rugby was once borne by Prince Harry, yet in the year two thousand and two and twenty, it passed unto Catherine, who, with grace and zeal, hath embraced it. Already known for her prowess in hockey, tennis, and divers pastimes of sport, she now standeth proudly as the champion of England’s Rugby maidens.
The people, beholding her in the stands, spake much of her bright tresses and shining smile, which some ascribe to the warmth of the Grecian sun she enjoyed in summer voyage with her family. Yet more than her outward beauty, it was the warmth of her spirit that shone forth, as she waved, clapped, and encouraged the players, her joy plain for all to see.
Thus did the Princess of Wales, even in a time of sorrow for her family, bring gladness unto the field and unto the hearts of those who watched. Truly, she hath become a symbol not only of royal dignity, but of the simple, noble delight that sport doth bring.
And so the scribes record: In mourning garb, yet with a heart unclouded, Catherine, Princess of Wales, stood among the people, radiant and steadfast, cheering England’s Red Roses onward to victory.
