Prince Harry was joined by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Twickenham today, to cheer on the England rugby team at the beginning of the Rugby World Cup.
England took on Fiji at Twickenham, and Harry was there as honorary president of England Rugby 2015, who organised the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The 31-year-old Prince gave a rousing speech to the 82,000 strong crowd to open the competition, as a keen rugby fan himself.
The opening game kicked off in London, with firework displays, a giant rugby ball in the centre of the pitch, marching bands and dance performances.
The ceremony saw 20 ‘giants of the game’ take centre stage in a fitting homage to past players: Martin Johnson represented England. Music was provided by the Royal Marines and singer Laura Wright.
Harry, still sporting his beard, also gave everyone a surprise, by making a cameo appearance in a film which was screened as part of the ceremony; he starred alongside English rubgy hero Jonny Wilkinson dressed as a gardener in a re-telling of the story of how rugby was invented.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry watch the opening game of the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Picture by i-Images / i-Images
His brother and sister-in-law, William and Catherine, joined him at the event to cheer on the home team, who won 35-11 over the South Pacific side. The trio were seen grimacing, whooping and applauding as the game progressed, clearly enthused by the game.
It is the second appearance of the Duchess this week, who is slowly returning to work, following the arrival of the couple’s second child, Princess Charlotte, in May. On Thursday, Kate was supporting children’s mental health causes in London.
Picture by i-Images / i-Images
