Kate Middleton to Replace Prince Harry as the New Patron of English Rugby
Reports recently emerged that the Duchess of Cambridge is to become the new patron of English rugby union, taking over from Prince Harry.
Kate Middleton will be the first royal to be named as patron over one of the many patronages Harry lost, with the announcement of the change set to come “imminently”.
Kate Middleton and Prince William to Head Off During the Championships
The Cambridge family will no doubt be divided when the Welsh rugby team meets the English rugby team during this year’s Six Nations, as Prince William is the patron of Welsh rugby. Talk about some friendly competition right there.
Harry publicly left royal life behind in 2020 to live in the U.S. with his wife and two young children, and according to his interviews, he’s in a mentally healthier place since leaving his job behind.
Harry, a keen rugby fan who also played the sport, represented the sport as vice-patron of the RFU from 2010 to 2016 before taking over from the Queen as patron.
He also received the patronage of the RFL in 2016 from the Queen and carried out the draw for the World Cup in January 2020, as negotiations for “Megxit” was at its height.
Per an insider, the Queen made the decision to postpone naming Kate as the new patron right away in order to avoid antagonizing her grandson.
“People just tread a bit carefully when it comes to them,” said the Daily Mail source.
But with the Six Nations Championship almost upon us, the need for a figurehead has become rather pressing.
Kate is seen as a good choice to oversee the English rugby team as she is a strong supporter of the physical and mental benefits of sports and is a keen participant in sporting activities.
Queen Elizabeth to Redistribute All of Meghan and Harry’s Patronages
The English rugby patronage going to Kate is the first of many others that Harry will lose to other royals, including the presidency of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust and the London Marathon Charitable Trust.
Buckingham Palace released a statement in February last year confirming that Harry and Meghan will no longer be returning as working royals. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of the Royal Family.
“Following conversations with the Duke, the Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of the Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.
“The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by the Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family.”
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