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Prince & Princess of WalesThe Sussexes

Prince William will pull for Wales as Prince Harry roots for England during #RugbyWorldCup

To be a fly on the wall when Prince William and Prince Harry watch the match together on Saturday. The rivalry between Wales and England has divided Twitter and Facebook friends but imagine the conversation and banter between the two royal brothers!

During the Rugby Cup welcome ceremony at Guildhall on Monday, William told the Wales team: “Unfortunately, I will be watching you with my brother, so I will need a Wales win more than ever!”

The Duke of Cambridge poses with the #Wales #RWC2015 squad (pic via @emynash)

The Duke of Cambridge poses with the #Wales #RWC2015 squad (pic via @emynash)

William became Vice Royal Patron of the Welsh Rugby Union in February 2007 at the start of the 2007 RBS Six Nations Championship. The Queen is Patron of the Welsh Rugby Union.

William joked: “Thank God the Welsh team play rugby better than they sing,” after the Welsh team sang the traditional folk song ‘Lawr ar lan y mor.’

During the ceremony on Monday, the Royal Patron presented the team with their caps for taking part in the tournament. William commented: “It is a great achievement for all of you to be here, whether as players, management or support staff.

Wales had a tough start to the World Cup with injuries to Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb two of their players during the warm-up match against Italy. They were hit with an additional injury during the opening match to Cory Allen in their 54-9 victory over Uruguay.

The Duke of Cambridge though is backing his team despite injuries and the tough matchup they have ahead.

“Whilst we have been dealt a very tough group stage, I firmly believe that, with a simple, determined, match-winning mindset, this team can progress into the knockout stages and beyond. I look forward to having plenty to cheer about throughout the tournament,” William added.

“All of your sacrifices, pain and Herculean efforts are about to be rewarded with the chance to make history in Cardiff and London over the next six weeks. We now need to look to the rest of the group and particularly this Saturday’s match. This will be one of the biggest clashes of the tournament and certainly of the group stages. I wish you all the best of luck, and I look forward to supporting you every step of the way. Cymru am byth (Forever Wales),” Prince William added.

Next month, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will host a reception for participating nations at Buckingham Palace in October. Her Majesty, accompanied by Prince Harry and The Princess Royal, will greet representatives from each of the 20 competing teams and those involved in the organisation of the World Cup.

Harry will visit an event in Exeter next month in support of the All School’s Programme. The Programme is the RFU’s primary legacy programme for the tournament urging more state secondary schools to engage in rugby.

Whatever the outcome on Saturday, it is nice to see William and Harry passionately supporting their team.

Photo Credit: Emily Nash @emynash