Despite the rain, Princess Kate (40) insisted on attending a rugby match on Saturday. England and Papua New Guinea met in the Quarterfinals of the Rugby League World Cup.

In a red Alexander McQueen coat and carrying a large black umbrella, Kate braved the weather on her first visit to a live match as Rugby Football League Patron. At the beginning of the year she took over the rugby patronage from Prince Harry (38) and also took part in a training session at Twickenham Stadium.

It was an honor to welcome Princess Kate to Wigan's DW Stadium, according to the World Cup's official Twitter account. Before the start of the game, Kate met with the players of both teams, among other things. More than 23,100 people followed the match next to her in the stadium - a new record for a quarter-final of the Rugby League World Cup.

Of course, Princess Kate in particular should have cheered on the English, as indicated by pictures from before the game. Some footage shows her crossing her fingers in front of England player Sam Tomkins - a gesture often used in Britain to wish good luck. Although Kate kept her fingers crossed, the team didn't have to, as they were able to claim a comfortable win. The team will now face Samoa or Tonga in the semi-finals.