ComScore

Prince William Tweets Heartfelt Tribute to Late Rugby Star & Adds Personal Touch

"Catherine and I send our love"

prince william personal note
Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

Prince William is paying his respects to the family of a rugby league legend.

On social media, the Prince of Wales shared a touching tribute to the late Rob Burrow, who recently passed away at 41 after being diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease in 2019. William signed the note with his first initial to add a personal touch, writing, "A legend of Rugby League, Rob Burrow had a huge heart. He taught us, ‘In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.’ Catherine and I send our love to Lindsey, Jackson, Maya and Macy. W."

The prince's message came just a few moments after Leeds Rhino broke the sad news on their official website. It reads, “It is with deep sadness that the club can confirm that former player Rob Burrow CBE has passed away, aged 41. Rob inspired the entire country with his brave battle against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) since his diagnosis in December 2019. He passed away peacefully at Pinderfield’s Hospital near his home surrounded by his loving family after becoming ill earlier this week.”

Prince William met the rugby star for the first time at Headingley Stadium in January. He surprised the rugby league star and fellow player Kevin Sinfield by awarding them with CBEs (Commander of the British Empire) in the New Year Honours list for their motor neuron disease fundraising efforts.

prince william rugby burrow
Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images

According to BBC News, they raised millions of dollars for charities since Burrow was diagnosed with the disease, and Prince William was quick to praise Burrow's charity work.

The royal said, "A huge, huge congratulations, it's been amazing what you've done. The groundswell you've created in terms of fundraising and looking after each other and for MND is huge."

In response to the prince's kind words, Burrow said at the time, "I can honestly say that I never set out to be an inspiration, I just wanted to try and help other people in a similar situation to me. I'm just trying to live my best life with the cards that I've been dealt."

Stay up-to-date on every breaking royal family story by subscribing here.



nakeisha campbell bio

Associate Editor, News and Entertainment

  • Writes celebrity news, TV/movie reviews and SEO-focused entertainment articles
  • Interviews celebrities and covers red carpet events
  • Has 8+ years of experience covering entertainment topics