Lady (and gentleman) in red: Kate and William colour-coordinate as they pledge support for injured former players at rugby match in Cardiff
By Daily Mail Reporter
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge turned out to watch Wales compete against New Zealand in the Autumn International rugby match today as they promised support for injured former players.
The couple turned out in colour-coordinated outfits, with Prince William sporting a red striped tie and his wife looking stylish in a belted claret LK Bennett Ami coat.
Kate's choice of coat was the same one that she wore to a Unicef event in Copenhagen, Denmark, in November last year, proving once again her thrifty credentials.
The Duchess wrapped up against the cold to cheer on Wales, teaming her rich red coat with a belt, rosy cheeks and her trademark glossy hair.
Today the Duke of Cambridge used his attendance to pledge his support to injured sportsmen and women when he met supporters and beneficiaries of the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust (WRCT).
The royal, who has been patron of the charity since the summer, attended this evening's match at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Unfortunately their attendance did not boost Wales fortune, with the home team losing to their rivals 33-10.
The Royal couple met former players who had been seriously injured while taking part in the sport, as well as members of the trust who had helped raise funds during its 40-year history.
Edward Jones, WRCT secretary, said the visit was 'a source of encouragement and inspiration to all those connected with the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust, both players and trustees alike'.
He added: 'We are delighted that HRH the Duke of Cambridge has agreed to be patron of the trust and, in so doing, support the work of providing and caring for those who have suffered serious injury on the rugby field in Wales.'
The WRCT, a registered charity, was set up in 1972 to help and assist severely injured rugby players. The trust works closely with the Welsh Rugby Union and member clubs to care for players who have been seriously injured on the rugby field.
Philip Harris, 59, who was partially paralysed down his left side after being injured in a game, said he believed the royal couple's appearance today represented a firm pledge to support the trust.
Mr Harris, from Brynamman near the Brecon Beacons, said: 'The Duke was very inquisitive, he was very caring and interested in all of us here today.
'He is dedicated to this great cause, he's shown that today. To get somebody of his stature to support us is incredible.
'This is a great charity, it has brought us comradeship and friendship as well as emotional and physical support. We would have been lost without it, so to have Prince William here has meant a lot to us.'
Paul Davies MBE, who has been involved with the trust for nearly three decades after being paralysed during a match as a 21-year-old, also met the royal couple, before the match
He said: 'I think people now see the person and not the chair, and that is down to the brilliant work of the small, dedicated team of supporters with the trust.
'It is truly humbling how they have helped me throughout my life since the accident, I cannot explain enough how they have been a lifeline to me and others.'
He said the Duchess, who was presented with a bouquet by eight-year-old Isabella House, took a genuine interest in the plight of injured rugby players.
'I got the impression that both William and Kate were here for the trust, not just the match,' he said.
'It was a real pleasure for us to talk with them, and I think they felt it was a pleasure for them to talk with us too.'
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