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The Prince and Princess of Wales watch Sir Kevin Sinfield finish his third ultramarathon in honour of his former teammate Rob Burrows. Royal Editor Chris Ship reports

The Prince and Princess of Wales have surprised the rugby league fundraising legend Sir Kevin Sinfield on his latest attempt to raise millions in memory of his former Leeds Rhinos teammate.

Sinfield is running seven ultra marathons in seven days as he continues to push himself to the limits for his friend Rob Burrows, who died from motor neurone disease (MND) in 2024.

William and Kate applauded as he ran into the stadium in Wakefield, where he had not been expecting any royals at today’s finish line.

Kate told him that his efforts for MND were “inspiring”.

Rob Burrows played for Leeds Rhinos and England during his 16-year sporting career in rugby league and was diagnosed with MND in 2019, at the age of 37.

Kevin Sinfield set off on Sunday on what he says is his final fundraising challenge: running to each of the 12 Super League grounds in England.

He started at the home of the Rugby League World Cup Champions Hull KR and will finish on the pitch at Old Trafford in Manchester just before the Super League Grand Final in front of 70,000 fans.

Prince and Princess of Wales talks to schoolchildren on a visit to the Leeds Rhinos at the AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium. Credit: PAThe Prince and Princess of Wales, walk with Jamie Jones Buchanan, (right), CEO of the Leeds Rhinos. Credit: PA

It will be the conclusion of a seven-year fundraising journey for Kevin during which he has collected more than £11 million.

William and Kate didn’t tell Kevin about their visit to Wakefield Trinity’s stadium at the end of his Day 3 run, which had started in York.

The prince and princess have supported Sir Kevin’s efforts for many years, and William previously surprised both Rob and Kevin at Headingley Stadium when he personally presented them with their CBEs.

The Prince of Wales also opened the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds, where he met Rob’s wife and children.

In Wakefield today, the royals were told about the difference Sir Kevin’s fundraising facility is already making to so many families living with MND.

This is the Talking Royals – our weekly podcast about the royal family, with ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship and Producer Lizzie Robinson…