Richie gets royal treatment

England may have bowed out of the Rugby World Cup this year, but fair sportsman Prince Harry showed no signs of hard feelings as he welcomed stars from other competing nations to a reception at Buckingham Palace.

Glen met the Queen and had a ten minute discussion with the Princess Royal about Heath Rugby Club, Sussex Rugby and the issues associated with retaining young players in the game.

Former England captain Beaumont echoed Harry’s sentiments that rugby fans should continue to support the World Cup. “You are getting to the business end of the tournament now and this adds a bit of spice to it, but the chance to do this is pretty cool”, he told Sky.

The event was attended by about 400 guests, including players, officials and supporters of the Rugby World Cup.

“I didn’t know what to expect but I really enjoyed the day”. “We had a bit of a yarn but there’s always a bit of edge knowing that we could be playing against each other coming up”, admitted McCaw.

Queen Elizabeth II meets South Africa’s Rugby Union head coach Heyneke Meyer.

Perhaps embarrassed by their failure to qualify for the knockout stage, England coach Stuart Lancaster and his captain Chris Robshaw declined to speak to the media at the reception.

Queen Elizabth II meets Canada’s James Pritchard (left) and Jebb Sinclair (centre). “That ethos is epitomised by everyone here this evening”, Prince Harry says.

One of those Springboks was Bryan Habana who was delighted to be at the event.

All Blacks v France: Your predictions Share your stories, photos and videos. “Just because they are not in it – it’s times like these we need more support”.

“You are helping inspire children of all backgrounds to get involved with the game the game we all love”.

The Royal Family entered The White Drawing Room through the “secret entrance” – a door hidden in a full height mirror that leads to the Queen’s private apartments – where the monarch was presented with a specially-commissioned World Cup Participation Medal.

Harry and his brother the Duke of Cambridge, who is vice patron of the WRU, attended the clash between Wales and England but were cheering for different sides.

He described it as a “privilege” to see the tournament being played in England, adding that it was “one of the most competitive and entertaining world cups ever”.