Prince William Jokes About Sir Kevin Sinfield’s Knees as Kate Praises His Fitness During Leeds Visit

Prince William and Kate Middleton brought a lighter moment to an emotional visit to Leeds Rhinos, where they paid tribute to the legacy of late rugby league star Rob Burrow and met athletes and community members whose lives have been touched by the power of sport.

The Prince and Princess of Wales visited AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium on Sept. 29, 2026, following their appearance at a movie premiere the previous week. Their latest engagement brought them back to a setting closely connected to rugby, community work and one of William’s longstanding causes.

During the visit, William and Kate learned about how the Leeds Rhinos and the Leeds Rhinos Foundation are using sport to support and improve the lives of people in the community.

The couple also met players, young athletes and club representatives, including Jamie Jones Buchanan MBE, CEO of the Leeds Rhinos and a lifelong friend of Rob Burrow.

A Tribute to Rob Burrow

The visit carried particular significance because of Burrow’s legacy. The former Leeds Rhinos player died two years ago after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Burrow’s friendship with former teammate Sir Kevin Sinfield became central to fundraising efforts for motor neurone disease charities. Sinfield has undertaken a series of demanding endurance challenges in Burrow’s memory, helping raise funds and awareness for those affected by the condition.

William and Kate’s appearance in Leeds coincided with Sinfield’s latest challenge, 7 in 7: The Grand Finale.

Sinfield became visibly emotional when the royal couple unexpectedly appeared during the challenge. After completing his third ultramarathon, he addressed supporters as he continued his effort to raise money for motor neurone disease charities in memory of his late friend.

The Prince and Princess of Wales praised his efforts, describing them as “inspiring.”

“Well done, you,” Kate told Sinfield, while William added, “It’s been very special to watch.”

Kate Calls Sinfield “Super Fit”

The conversation later took a more playful turn when Kate spoke with some of the younger athletes at the stadium.

Reflecting on Sinfield’s extraordinary running schedule, the Princess remarked that he was “super fit” and pointed out just how demanding the challenge was.

“He’s super fit. He’s doing seven ultramarathons in seven days; that’s a lot of running,” Kate said.

William quickly followed with one of his familiar jokes.

“If he can walk by the end of it, it’s going to be amazing. His poor knees,” the Prince quipped.

The comment drew laughter from those around them and provided a lighter moment during an otherwise poignant visit centered on Burrow’s life and the continuing campaign against motor neurone disease.

Kate Rewears a Familiar Pair of Earrings

Kate, who serves as patron of the Rugby Football League, also used the occasion to wish the players well ahead of the Rugby League World Cup.

For the visit, she wore a polished, business-inspired outfit featuring a green blazer. She also brought back a familiar piece of jewelry: her Mappin & Webb “Empress” diamond earrings.

Kate first wore the earrings at Princess Charlotte’s christening in 2015. According to Town & Country magazine, she has since worn them more than 30 times, including at the 2021 Wimbledon men’s final and at several rugby matches in 2023.

William, meanwhile, opted for a blue ensemble as he joined his wife for the Headingley engagement.

His connection to Burrow has extended beyond the latest visit. In 2024, the Prince of Wales expressed his condolences publicly following the rugby star’s death, describing Burrow as a “legend of Rugby League” who had “a huge heart.”

William also highlighted Burrow’s inspirational message about continuing to dream despite adversity and sent his love to Burrow’s family.

William’s Continued Support for the Burrow Family

William’s support for Burrow’s legacy continued the following year when he inaugurated the Rob Burrow Center for MND in Leeds.

At the opening, the Prince described Burrow as a “brave and special man.”

Burrow’s widow, Lindsay, expressed her gratitude for William’s presence, stressing the significance of having the Prince attend the opening of the center. The facility was established with the aim of helping save lives and supporting those affected by motor neurone disease.

The latest visit to the Leeds Rhinos brought together many of the people and causes associated with Burrow’s legacy: his former club, his close friend Sinfield, the wider rugby community and the continuing campaign to raise funds for motor neurone disease charities.

Against that emotional backdrop, William’s joke about Sinfield’s knees offered a brief moment of humor, while Kate’s praise for the endurance athlete underscored the extraordinary physical demands of his seven-ultramarathon challenge.