Prince William and Princess of Wales’ next overseas trip could see old rivalries rise to the surface
Prince William and the Princess of Wales’ next overseas trip is coming up very soon and it could inspire competitiveness between them


Prince William and Princess of Wales’ next overseas trip could see rivalries rise to the surface as they’re set to attend two prominent events.
- The Prince and Princess of Wales are reportedly set to travel to France this weekend to watch two major sporting events.
- Prince William and Kate support different sides and they’ve previously spoken about their friendly rivalry when it comes to matches.
- This royal news comes as Prince Harry's latest outings showcased a major shift as he flipped from “adult” to “child” states.
It seems like a long time since fans last caught a glimpse of the Prince and Princess of Wales undertaking engagements as the couple have enjoyed private time with Prince George, Charlotte and Louis since their school summer holidays started in July. Prince William and Kate were expected to spend part of this extended break at Balmoral Castle with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
The Wales kids are set to return to school on 6th September and the future King and Queen Consort have another exciting upcoming trip to look forward to. But it’s one that could become a little more "tense" depending on the outcome of two crucial events…
Ahead of the Prince of Wales' exciting solo trip to New York later this month, Prince William and the Princess of Wales’ next overseas trip will reportedly be to France. Unlike King Charles and Queen Camilla who’ll be there from 20th September for a State Visit, the Prince and Princess of Wales will be there for one of the year’s biggest sporting events.
According to The Telegraph, Prince William and Kate are set to visit France this weekend to cheer on the men’s Rugby teams in the Rugby World Cup 2023. As Patron of Welsh Rugby, Prince William will reportedly watch the Welsh team in their opening-round match against Fiji on Sunday, 10th September.
Meanwhile the Princess of Wales, who's Patron of England's governing body for rugby union, the Rugby Football Union, will support England in their opening-round match against Argentina on Saturday, 9th September.
A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)
A photo posted by on
The two matches are being held in different parts of France - Bordeaux and Marseilles. So it seems like Prince William and Kate’s trip won’t be the kind of joint visit we typically see from them and they’ll be apart for most of the weekend. As supporters of opposite sides in the World Cup it’s also possible friendly rivalries could arise between the couple.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
When England and Wales played each other in the Six Nations tournament this year, the couple went to see the match in Cardiff. Prince William joked ahead of the match that if Wales won, he’d be experiencing a “tense” car ride home with Kate.
“It’s going to be a tense car journey home for whoever wins. If we win today my wife won’t speak to me. It will be a tense evening,” he light-heartedly declared, as per The Telegraph.
The Prince of Wales had also previously hinted at Kate’s competitive nature back in 2022 when they watched another Six Nations match with Prince George. Asked who he was supporting, the young Prince shrugged and Prince William supposedly responded, “It's become quite the thing in the house” and pointed at Kate, adding, “She is quite into it, I'm trying to stay out of it."
In the last Rugby World Cup England came second and Wales came fourth, so both Prince William and the Princess of Wales will no doubt be hoping for an even better result for the teams this year in France as they prepare to watch the opening round matches.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. She specialises in the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
Kate Moss's best looks, from 90s slip dresses to leopard print staples
Effortless and stylish, our favourite supermodel has an iconic style that can easily be recreated
By Kathryn Lewsey
-
Helen Skelton's layered look is giving me plenty of country chic style inspiration this Earth Day
She paired a mocha-coloured jumper with a blue shirt and a pair of wellies by Kate Middleton's favourite brand
By Caroline Parr
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William to spend anniversary in bittersweet location holding 'happiest and saddest' memories
Just like King Charles and Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales will mark their wedding anniversary away from home this year.
By Emma Shacklock
-
I’ve been writing about the royals for years - here’s what I predict Kate Middleton will wear at Easter (and what I wish she’d wear instead)
All eyes will be on the Princess of Wales if she attends the Royal Family's Easter Sunday church service for the first time since 2023
By Emma Shacklock
-
Remember when Prince William and Kate Middleton broke royal protocol at Easter? Here's why it's unlikely to happen again
The Royal Family might be taking a more modern approach these days, but there are some traditions and protocols that they still uphold.
By Emma Shacklock
-
Kate Middleton's go-to bag for special occasions is a wedding season essential you'll reach for time and time again
The Princess of Wales always reaches for the same elegant style of bag for formal events and it works beautifully for weddings.
By Emma Shacklock
-
Kate Middleton declares baker boy hats back for 2025 in new Love Actually-esque outfit
The Princess of Wales's signature style is all about timelessness but that doesn’t mean that she never gets on board with trends.
By Emma Shacklock
-
Prince George will start a new school this year and 'smart money' is on Kate and William choosing this one, says royal expert
Prince George only has just over a year left at Lambrook School and Emily Andrews believes there's a top contender for his next one.
By Emma Shacklock
-
Queen Camilla takes note of Kate Middleton's love of polka dots with charming collared number in Rome
If we had to pick the Princess of Wales’s favourite print it would be polka dots and Queen Camilla just emulated her style in Rome.
By Emma Shacklock
-
James Middleton says he 'had three mothers growing up' as he opens up on close-knit family bond
The Princess of Wales’s brother had several 'mothering figures' during his childhood and was 'fortunate' to have this tightknit support system.
By Emma Shacklock