X/@KensingtonRoyal
The Prince of Wales attended the Woman’s Rugby World Cup at Exeter between Wales and Fiji. With the continuation of his patronage of rugby bodies and other public occasions, his supportive presence for the Welsh team ensured his name was written in history.
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The Prince and Princess of Wales Account further reported that Prince William had attended the match: “In Exeter today supporting @WelshRugbyUnion in the Women’s Rugby World Cup against Fiji.” It was alluding to the sporting occasion with two Welsh flags and a rugby ball emoji. William was seen in the grandstand, watching all the action unfold on the pitch.
The reaction of the public to his appearance was definitely heterogeneous; the ongoing debate about the relevance of the monarchy in modern Britain. While the majority of royalists did express some excitement that William had turned up, others were questioning what use events like this really were.
One user went in with a harsh critique: “Man does job he’s so very well paid to do.”
That sums up the skeptical view on the work that is done by senior royals, with the huge public money, supposedly, wasted on them. Another sarcastic comment was: “Do Willy or Katie ever do ANY real work?? Or just photo ops and sporting events?”
That was built on in criticism with a comparison to others of the royal family: “Where does he find the time? His father twice his age and battling cancer and his 75-year-old Aunt do four times the number of Royal engagements in a year.”
However, fans were quick to come to those in support of his presence and commitment. “Heartfelt thanks to Prince William for watching and supporting @WelshRugbyUnion in Exeter today — truly inspiring!” said one fan account. Another said: “You freaking handsome stud wow looking good Prince Will.”
This opened up to a broader discussion about the relevance of the monarchy, with one user adding a scornful comment: “Imagine having such a powerful empire and nation and now to have a king who just wants his face on the new coins and a system in the UK failing its peoples.. one generation to tarnish your whole family’s sacrifice.”
Visiting sporting events has always been part of royal promotional work, allowing for informal mingling of the royal family with its subjects. Prince William, with his many sports patronages, including that of the Rugby Football Union, took over from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2016.
The question-mark attitude of the public toward William’s attendance at the rugby match speaks to an ongoing division between long-time royal supporters and those questioning the relevance of the institution in contemporary times and the huge cost it imposes on taxpayers. As the future king assumes his public duties, such appearances will undoubtedly be the center stage for both public acclaim and criticism.
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The visibility of the Royals at big sporting events has remained a steady fraternity through which the Royal Family blends tradition with an endeavor to connect with a contemporary audience, shaded by a common interest in sports.