Kate Middleton is stepping in for her brother-in-law, Prince Harry—and this time, it’s official.
This Saturday, Princess Catherine will attend the men’s Rugby League World Cup in Wigan, where she’ll watch England’s rugby team play against Papua New Guinea. This will be the royal’s first match since she took over for Prince Harry as patron of the Rugby Football League.
The occasion is a pretty big deal because Princess Catherine will make history as the new figurehead. As Hello! magazine points out, the Princess of Wales is the first female royal to hold this position.
Ahead of the game, the royal will greet both teams on the field. According to the outlet, she will also participate in “a minute of non-silence, held to mark the tournament’s Movember Mental Fitness Match Day.” At half-time, Princess Catherine will be introduced to England’s women’s team. (They will play before the men’s team, but the Princess of Wales isn’t expected to attend their match.)
In a statement, Simon Johnson (chair of the Rugby Football League) expressed his excitement over Princess Catherine’s involvement. “We will be delighted and honored to welcome the Princess of Wales for the first time as the RFL’s Royal Patron,” he said. “With both our England Women and Men’s teams playing important World Cup matches on Saturday, her presence will enhance a special occasion for our sport, for the World Cup and for the famous rugby league town of Wigan.”
Mark your calendars, folks.
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