Prince William and Princess Kate step out for moving visit as they organise ultimate surprise

The Prince and Princess of Wales stepped out for a surprise outing on Tuesday as they travelled up North for a very meaningful visit. 

Prince William and Kate visited Headingley Rugby Stadium, home of the Leeds Rhinos, to learn about the moving work of rugby league legends Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield to raise awareness of motor neurone disease (MND).

The royal couple heard about the club’s rich history, including the enduring impact of Rob’s legacy across the Rhinos family. 

The former rugby star passed away in June 2024, aged just 41. He was diagnosed with the degenerative disease in 2019, launching an inspirational campaign to raise awareness.

© Kensington Palace

Later on Tuesday, William and Kate, who is patron of the Rugby Football League, organised the ultimate surprise for Kevin, as they travelled to DIY Kitchens Stadium in Wakefield to greet him.

They met families affected by MND before welcoming Kevin onto the pitch and learning about his 7 in 7: The Grand Finale week-long challenge.

Kevin is currently on the third day of the challenge, running at least 45km every day for seven days, while visiting all 12 English Betfred Super League grounds, before finishing at Old Trafford ahead of the Super League Grand Final.

On Monday, he met Princess Anne, who has been patron of the MND Association since 2008, at the University of York Athletics Track.

© Kensington Palace

Prince William's close work with Kevin and Rob

The Prince previously met with the late Rob Burrow in 2024, presenting him and Kevin with their CBEs during a meeting at Headingley Stadium.

In November 2025, William opened the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, where he met Rob’s wife and children, alongside Kevin, to hear about the difference the landmark facility would make to families living with MND.

At the time, the Prince greeted Rob's widow, Lindsey Burrow, with a warm hug, while Kevin called the future King "a man of his word". 

© UK Press via Getty Images

William said at the time: "I think Rob's legacy will live on. And you guys should be so proud of your father because he really was an incredibly brave and very special man. 

"And this is a world-leading centre that’s going to save a lot of lives. For that, you shall all be very proud. And everyone is very grateful for letting us in on your family life and understanding what you’ve been managing together."

Rob was diagnosed with MND just two years after ending his stellar rugby career, and launched an inspirational campaign to raise awareness of the condition. 

© WPA Pool

His fellow teammate Kevin has raised more than £10 million for MND charities through fundraising challenges, covering more than 1,000 miles since his first challenge in 2020.

William and Kate's secret engagements

The Prince and Princess took part in a multitude of engagements last week, including the Digger Premiere with Tom Cruise, Kate's visit to Southend-on-Sea, and a secret tea party at Windsor Castle. 

© David Cliff / Kensington Palace

Ahead of their visit to Leeds, the royal couple hosted an engagement each at Windsor Castle, as was noted in the Court Circular, which documents working royals' official engagements. 

On Monday, Kate received Sarah Henwood, who is the chief executive of the Royal Foundation, while Prince William chaired a meeting of The Prince's Council, the board of his Duchy of Cornwall.