Prince William and Kate showed their love of sports as they attended the Wales vs France Six Nations rugby match on Saturday. The royals, who are nearing the end of their fleeting 24-hour visit to Paris, were guests of honour at the match in the Stade de France. The outing marked William’s first engagement as Patron of the Welsh Rugby Union since Her Majesty The Queen stepped down as its patron in December 2016.
His wife Kate showed her support for the Welsh team, choosing to don a bright red Carolina Herrera coat, which she has previously worn during her royal tour of Canada last year. The Duchess beat the chill in a black turtleneck jumper and black gloves, and looked to be thoroughly enjoying the match as she chatted to her fellow spectators and cheered Wales on.
© Photo: Getty ImagesKate wore her Carolina Herrera red coat to the rugby
Kate wows in shimmery ice-blue Jenny Packham gown
Earlier in the day, William and Kate had a go putting their own rugby skills to the test, as they met a group of budding young rugby fans at Trocadero. With the Eiffel Tower as their backdrop, the sporty couple took part in drills with the local children, who are students of the British Council’s Somme project. The ‘Les Voisins in Action’ event was held to highlight the strong ties between the young people of France and the UK.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Duchess tested her own rugby skills earlier in the day
Also on Saturday, William and Kate paid a visit to the world famous Musee d’Orsay, which houses the largest collection of Impressionist masterpieces in the world. The visit was, in particular, a highlight for the Duchess, who graduated with a 2:1 in history of art in 2005. Kate asked plenty of questions as she toured the Impressionists gallery. She and William had specifically asked to see some of Claude Monet’s most famous paintings, including one of his water lilies series, painted in 1904. The museum remained open to the public during the royal visit, prompting gasps from tourists who crowded round to take pictures and videos of the royals on their phones.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince William and Kate visited the Musee d'Orsay
William and Kate's poignant visit to Paris, 20 years after Diana's death
William and Kate will return to the UK later this afternoon. The fatal shooting of a man who grabbed a soldier’s gun at Orly airport has not affected their travel plans, although security around the future King and his wife was no doubt ramped up following this morning’s events.
