Kate Middleton Wears Her Favorite Diamond “Empress” Earrings to Rugby Stadium

2 min read

Earlier today, Prince William and Kate Middleton visited Headingley Rugby Stadium, the home of the Leeds Rhinos rugby club. According to Kensington Palace, their visit aimed to “learn how the club and the Leeds Rhinos Foundation are changing lives through the power of sport.”

Notably, Kate, as patron of the Rugby Football League, wished the players heading to the Rugby League World Cup next month good luck. Dressed in a green blazer for the occasion, she chose to accessorize with her favorite Mappin & Webb “Empress” diamond earrings, which she debuted at Princess Charlotte’s christening in 2015 and has worn over 30 times since, including to the 2021 Wimbledon men’s final, various rugby matches in 2023, and a recent visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital.

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The Waleses during a visit to AMT Headingley Stadium.

During their outing, they spent time learning about the “enduring impact” of former player Rob Burrow, who passed in June 2024 after living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). The couple also heard about how Rob’s legacy impacted “the Rhinos family and the wider rugby league community, and how the Leeds Rhinos Foundation is using the power of sport to improve health, education, inclusion and wellbeing, helping people across Leeds to fulfil their potential.”

Following Burrow’s death, the Prince of Wales shared a personal message on social media, writing, “A legend of Rugby League, Rob Burrow had a huge heart,” William wrote in the rare personal tribute. He taught us, ‘in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.’ Catherine and I send our love to Lindsey, Jackson, Maya and Macy. W.”

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The Prince of Wales speaks with Lindsey Burrow, wife of the late rugby league player Rob Burrow CBE.

Last year, Prince William traveled to Leeds to open the Rob Burrow Center for MND in Leeds. “He really was an incredibly brave and very special man,” the royal told Burrow’s children Macy, Maya, and Jackson during the opening. “This is a world-leading centre that’s going to save a lot of lives.”

Burrow’s widow, Lindsay, said at the time, “It such a special day for the family. To have the prince come and open the centre is a really special day. Rob asked him, ‘would you come and open the centre,’ and he’s kept his word. So, to have him here today is a huge honour and privilege. I think it just shows his kindness and consideration.”

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The Waleses with young players today.

Elsewhere during Kate and William’s time at Headingley Rugby Stadium, they met with young people currently enrolled in the Rugby League Development Plan. Per Kensington Palace, “The programme grows and strengthens Rugby League by increasing participation, improving player retention, expanding opportunities for women and girls, developing coaches, and creating inclusive environments where everyone can access, enjoy and thrive in the game.”

Emily Burack (she/her) is the Deputy Digital Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, celebrities, the royals, and a wide range of other topics. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Instagram, Twitter, and other social media platforms.