Prince Harry, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II look at the Webb Ellis Cup. Photo / Getty Images
Prince Harry, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II look at the Webb Ellis Cup. Photo / Getty Images
It appears Richie McCaw is in royal favour - now that England are no longer around for the All Blacks to knock out of the Rugby World Cup.
The All Black captain met the Queen yesterday at an exclusive reception at Buckingham Palace.
The event was attended by about 400guests, including players, officials and supporters of the Rugby World Cup. Prince Harry, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal, the Duke of Gloucester and Princess Alexandra were also in attendance.
Other players at the event included Stephen Moore of Australia, Greig Laidlaw of Scotland, Mike Stanley of Manu Samoa, James Haskell of England and Bryan Habana of South Africa.
Prince Harry, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II look at the Webb Ellis Cup. Photo / Getty Images
England rugby fan Prince Harry - who is also vice-patron of the RFU and honorary president of England 2015 - gave a speech describing this year's competition as "one of the most competitive and entertaining World Cups ever".
"We would like to thank all of you for making England 2015 such a successful and enjoyable tournament for everybody," he said.
"You are helping inspire children of all backgrounds to get involved with the game the game we all love."
Prince Harry and his brother William have made several appearances at Rugby World Cup games - they even attended the Wales v England clash. Each cheered for different sides - Harry supported England and William rooted for Wales.
