Kate faces fury from rugby league fans in kick-off delay accusation

Kate is a patron of the Rugby Football League (Image: Getty)Kate, Princess of Wales, has been praised by rugby fans for her royal’s appearance at Saturday’s Rugby World Cup – but some blamed the royal for delaying kick off with her antics.Kate is a patron of the Rugby Football League, having taken up the position previously held by Prince Harry earlier this year.She greeted players from both teams of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup Men’s Quarter Final match between England and Papua New Guinea at Wigan’s DW Stadium on Saturday afternoon.But one fan fretted that the presence of the royal could delay kick-off, joking on Twitter: “Kate Middleton is going to delay the kick off.”One rugby fan, @bkp083, tweeted: “I think it’s awesome that Kate Middleton has been so genuine talking to the players and has taken her time to greet each one but why didn’t they start this earlier so the game could start on time?”The match kicked off a few minutes past the 2.30pm scheduled time.Others expressed frustration with the future Queen’s presence, whereas one rugby watcher quipped: “Fair play to that Kate Middleton then, stopping to talk to all the players and mascots in the line up.”Usually they just zip through.” She greeted players from both teams of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup Men’s Quarter Final (Image: Getty)Twitter user @RJP_LEARNS added: “Kate Middleton is coming across really well here. Chatting warmly to the players and the kids who’ve been picked as mascots.”Another match follower @Leafy1013 commented: “She’s taken longer than usual to talk to each player and even the mascots.”More to follow…