Kate Middleton's behaviour at Windsor Castle shocks fans despite royal status
It was her first solo royal duty of 2026Princess Kate Middleton got plenty of people talking after she made her first solo royal engagement of 2026 at Windsor Castle.
The future queen is no stranger to making a public appearance, often dressed in a stylish and stunning ensemble. And this week, Kate was back at it for her first solo public duty of 2026, hosting England’s World Cup-winning women’s rugby team.
But Kate quickly sent the internet into a frenzy following her behaviour at the engagement, with one dubbing her “the most iconic future queen”.
Princess Kate Middleton at Windsor Castle
On Thursday (January 15) to mark the Red Roses’ Rugby World Cup victory, Kate hosted a reception for the England rugby team at the royal family’s ancestral castle.
For the engagement, the Princess of Wales looked nothing short of sensational in a red suit, a nod to the nickname given to the team Red Roses. However, in what has come as a shock to fans, Kate, who is a patron of the Rugby Football Union, drove herself to the royal engagement.
In a clip shared on X, Kate could be seen arriving at the castle behind the wheel of a car. Then, wearing a pair of high heels, she got out in the rain holding an umbrella. She walked to the entrance while accompanied by a man.
Fans react to Princess Kate’s ‘iconic’ behaviour
One stunned user captioned the post: “The Princess of Wales drove herself to Windsor Castle this afternoon to host a reception for the England Women’s rugby team – in an Alexander McQueen suit and stilettos. Iconic.”
Driving in stilettos – respect right there!
Other fans quickly reacted as well, with one person writing: “She is the most iconic future Queen.”
Another added: “So amazing she doesn’t require people to drive her and can easily do it herself.”
A third chimed in: “She holds the umbrella for both of them, what a lady.”
Someone else penned: “Driving in stilettos – respect right there!”
Kate on playing rugby with children
While at the reception for the World Cup rugby team, Kate gave a rare insight into life at home with her children, Prince George, 12, Prince Louis, seven, and Charlotte, 10.
“Charlotte is playing rugby but at home with the family, so she isn’t yet at school. Rugby is so accessible; Louis is playing touch rugby and it’s such a great game,” Kate shared.
She added: “Actually, they shouldn’t necessarily need to pigeon hole boys and girls in particular sports too early. Obviously as they get physically stronger – George now, if we play at home, I do not want to get tackled by George! But, up to a certain age I think it’s great.”
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