Prince William and Princess Kate have paid homage to Rob Burrow, the former Rugby League player who died unexpectedly at the age of 41 on June 2. The Prince of Wales praised Burrow, a well-liked sports professional and role model, as a rugby league great with a big heart who raised millions of pounds for charity while waging a valiant fight against motor neuron disease (MND).
The X account for Kensington Palace posted: “A legend of the Rugby League, Rob Burrow had a great heart. “We must dare to dream in a world full of adversity,” he instructed us. I, Catherine, Lindsey, Jackson, Maya, and Macy offer our love. W.”
A Royal Visit
When Burrow was a player for the Leeds Rhinos, he attended Headingley Stadium in Leeds in January of this year, when Prince William gave him his Commander of the British Empire (CBE) award in person. During the visit, the Prince met Burrow’s close friend and former colleague Kevin Sinfield, together with Burrow’s wife Lindsey and their three children.
A Stellar Career and Unyielding Spirit
During his career, Burrow was a vital member of the Leeds Rhinos, guiding them to eight Super League championships. After retiring from the England national team in 2017, the former player received an MND diagnosis two years later. Burrow decided to fight the sickness in public despite receiving a grim diagnosis, which helped to raise millions of pounds and awareness. His and Sinfield’s combined efforts led to the creation of a new MND patient care facility.
Burrow’s services to the sport and his advocacy activities were honored with an MBE in the 2021 New Year’s Honours List, which was raised to a CBE in 2024. Burrow was given the distinction by Prince William himself, demonstrating how well regarded he was.
A Village in Sorrow
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Rob’s wife Lindsey, children Macy, Maya, and Jackson, family, friends, and the rugby community today,” the MND Association said in an emotional statement. The fact that there has never been any lapse in the support shown for Rob is evidence of how deeply people care about him. Rob and his family have inspired a great deal of people in the MND community and beyond, and the MND Association is very grateful to them for sharing the specifics of their journey and helping to collect cash for the association.”
Respecting a Hero
Prince William said to Burrow and Sinfield at the Headingley ceremony, “I have brought a special couple of things up to give you today.” To make sure you didn’t want to go to London to pick things up, I did ask Kevin. However, I brought your CBEs up here today and, if it’s all with you, I thought I may present them to you at your Leeds home, among your loved ones. I felt that the current day for your CBEs was appropriate.”
William’s remarks struck a deep chord, expressing the respect and affection Burrow had well earned: “Rob, thank you very much for all of your wonderful work. You deserve all the best. You truly have been incredible. Everyone has been following your case and the money you have been raising, and they are all extremely proud of you. With MND, you have transformed the lives of countless individuals. We all adore you very much.”
A Nation Honoring a Family’s Loss
The Prince posed for a picture with Burrow and his three children, Macy, 12, Maya, 8, and Jackson, 5, as he gave the medal to Lindsey, Burrow’s wife. The picture, which attests to Burrow’s lasting influence, caught a moment of intense respect and affection among family members.
Rob Burrow’s death has left a vacuum in the rugby league community and among the many people he impacted with his unwavering spirit of advocacy and activism. His tale, which echoes the idea that we must dare to dream in a world full with difficulty, is one of resiliency, love, and the strength of community.
