The Queen has sent the England team her “very best wishes” for a “memorable and successful match” in the Rugby World Cup final against South Africa.
Her grandson Prince Harry will present the message to the players and head coach Eddie Jones ahead of the much-anticipated clash in Japan on Saturday.
The Duke of Sussex, who is patron of the Rugby Football Union, will be among the 72, 000 inside the Yokohama stadium as England attempt to win the tournament for a second time.
Her Majesty said: “Your performances during the tournament have delighted supporters, and inspired many people throughout the country.
“I send my congratulations to the England team, management and support staff on reaching the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final, together with my very best wishes for a memorable and successful match. “
It is thought the duke will visit the team in their changing room to deliver the Queen’s words in person before the match.
He also personallywrote a good luck message in a card to the squadand included a picture of son Archie wearing an England shirt.
Harry has left wife Meghan and their child behind for his trip to the Far East.
Celebrities who have sent good luck messages include comedian Jack Whitehall, former England rugby union international James Haskell, broadcaster Chris Evans and Strictly Come Dancing star Anton du Beke.
Haskell said in a video message: “Hi lads. I want to wish you the very best of luck for the World Cup Final. You thoroughly deserve to be there. I know and I’ve seen first-hand the work you’ve put in for the last four years. “
Du beke said:” Good luck lads, c’mon. “
Whitehall said: “Please win the World Cup tomorrow. Otherwise I will have flown all the way to Japan and my highlight will be the robot toilets that shoot water up you bum. Please don’t let that happen. C ‘ mon. “
When asked if he had received support from the Royal Family, England flanker Sam Underhill said:” Not personally! But as a group we’ve had a couple of messages from Prince Harry.
“He sent us a nice message of support, which was nice to receive.
” He showed his little lad in an England shirt, so that was a nice touch. I’m still waiting on my personal message! “
Buckingham Palace said when the duke arrives in Tokyo on Saturday he will visit a purpose-built para-sports training center and meet Japanese Paralympic hopefuls.
The last and only time England have won the Webb Ellis Cup was in 2003 when they beat Australia. Harry was in the stadium in Sydney that time around too.
England were joined by 2003 World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson for a drop goal clinic on Friday.
England haven’t been in a World Cup final since 2007, when they were beaten by South Africa.
Coach Eddie Jones is confident they can avenge that defeat with a victory that has the power to lift a nation.
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