Kate Middleton looks animated behind the scenes as she is greeted by French dignitaries at the Rugby World Cup.

Kate Middleton gave an animated look as she chatted with French dignitaries after watching England take on Argentina at the Rugby World Cup in Marseille on Saturday.

The Princess of Wales, 41, met France’s Secretary of State for Urban Affairs, Sabrina Agresti-Rupache, and Renaud Muslier, president of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regional council.

After watching England defeat the South American team, the royal – dressed in a recycled £1,945 white Alexander McQueen suit – held hands and chatted with the two politicians.

On Twitter, Mrs Agresti-Rupache wrote: 'Honored to welcome Her Royal Highness Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, Patron of the English Rugby Union.

’A beautiful moment to remember the friendship that binds our two peoples together’.

Later, Mr Muslier added: 'Honored to meet Her Royal Highness Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, on the sidelines of the match #AngleterreArgentine.

’Welcome to France for our British friends throughout this World Cup #rwc2023′.

Clearly popular in France, the Princess of Wales was cheered on by a 60,000-strong crowd as she watched England beat Argentina 27-10.

Kate appeared in good spirits in the stands as she chatted with World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont ahead of the match at Stade de Marseille.

The royal mother-of-three opted for her £1,945 white Alexander McQueen blazer and matching trousers.

She completed her outfit with the dazzling jewels she first wore for Princess Charlotte’s christening in 2015. Her pair are the £3,750 Mappin & Webb 'Empress’ diamond carriage earrings and the £2,000 Empress Mini White Gold & Diamond Pendant Necklace.

Sweet scenes from the event, when Kate was shown in the arenas, the crowd erupted with loud applause and cheers. Kate seemed surprised and delighted by this reaction.

Kate, who is a patron of the Rugby Football Union, watched the match without her husband William, who is also a patron of the Welsh Rugby Union.

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William attended Wales’ opening game against Fiji in Bordeaux on Sunday.

The royal sporting revelations came to light with the launch of a special Rugby World Cup edition of the former England international’s podcast: The Good, the Bad and the Rugby.

The 50-minute episode features the Prince and Princess of Wales and Anne, Princess Royal – patrons of Welsh, English and Scottish rugby respectively – Anne’s daughter Zara’s husband Tyndall and co-hosts James Haskell and Alex Payne in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle.

The recording, filmed on Wednesday, revealed some of the royal family’s sporting secrets.

As patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, it’s no surprise that Kate loves the game in her spare time – and sometimes appoints her husband as her opponent.

The princess said she believes her competitive streak comes from her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton. She said: 'I asked both my parents „Who is more competitive?” If asked, they will argue for a long time about who is the most competitive, the most athletic.’

William hopes his children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, will learn while playing team sports.

Speaking about the skills you get from 'playing team sports in those early years’, he said: 'I think we have to focus more now, learning to lose.

’I think people don’t know how to lose well. I want them to understand that, especially when it comes to our children.

’I think it’s really important to understand how to lose from a young age, why we lose, grow from it and what you learn from that process.

’But to win well, and not to brag. Throughout life, there are many life lessons that will help us all in developing friendships, building relationships, and in the workplace.

With Mike joking, it was Kate’s turn to explain why she loved team sports: 'I’m not going to say you’re really competitive… [but] I’ve seen her play beer pong.’