Topics: Kate Middleton, Royal Family, Prince William, UK News, Sport, Twitter, Social Media
Kate Middleton has been defended by royal fans after she faced backlash on social media over the weekend for missing an important event.
There's no doubt that the Princess of Wales, 43, has been busy recently with engagements, including hosting a two-day US state visit, not to mention all while being in the middle of a big house move.
For those not in the loop, Kate, Prince William and their three children Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, are in the process of moving from Adelaide Cottage to an eight-bedroom property in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire.
However, the process hasn't been straightforward and the royal couple have faced some backlash from locals on the new security measures being put in place after a 'no-go zone' was installed around the home.
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But, the latest reason for backlash is actually nothing to do with the controversial move and is instead centred around Kate being absent from a huge UK event, leaving fans disappointed.
The princess wasn't present at the Women's Rugby World Cup final on Saturday (27 September), which saw England’s Red Roses take home the trophy.
They crushed Canada 33-13 in a dominant display, which was watched by a record 81,885 people who filled a sold-out Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.
In a message on their official Kensington Palace social media account, Kate and William wrote: “Congratulations to @RedRosesRugby, the new Women’s Rugby World Cup Champions! Well done to Canada – you had an outstanding tournament. Both teams should be so proud!”
Before the game, she also wished the team luck by posting a photo taken with some of the players earlier this month in Brighton when she watched them take on Australia.
But, with Kate being patron of the Rugby Football Union, fans of the sport were upset that she didn't make it to watch the actual game, which was in London.
One Twitter user penned: "Well done to England's Roses today on their World Cup win. Just a shame that the Princess of Wales, as their Patron, was unable to be there today. Also, there is no representation from the government."
A second agreed: "The patron should have been there. Poor show."
And a third added: "Very disappointed that no Royal attended the final. It’s not often England host a World Cup Final & even less often England win it. Where is Kate as head of the English RFU?"
A fourth disappointed royal fan wrote: "I was saddened to see that the game was not important enough to see any member of the RF present. If we want to make woman’s sport great and on a par with men’s it has to have the support. A huge signal was sent out today that it’s just not important enough."
While someone else pointed out: "It's only 20 miles from Windsor to Twickenham, as Patron you should have been there."
However, others were quick to rush to Kate's defence, pointing out that there must be 'good reason' the royal missed the game.
"I’m sure there’s a good reason for not attending the final of the world cup contended between two nations of the realm but I have to say it’s really poor form," someone reasoned.
Another wrote: "They might have a good reason. You don't know about the personal problems of people. We are all humans."
Someone else argued: "She confirmed well in advance that she wouldn’t be able to make the event and sent her well wishes to the England team, and then her congratulations, Plus, Zara & Mike Tindall were there… Not royal enough?"
While one fan penned: "The criticism of Catherine not attending is ridiculous.. People really like complaining these days instead of enjoying the win.. Im sure if Catherine could have been there she would have.. but people are so mean and self absorbed these days."
Tyla has contacted Kensington Palace for comment.
