Kate Middleton replaces Prince Harry as English rugby patron
‘I am so thrilled,’ says Duchess
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The Duchess of Cambridge has officially been named patron of the Rugby Football League and England Rugby.
Previously, the role was held by Kate’s brother-in-law, the Duke of Sussex, who relinquished his royal duties in 2020.
It was given to her by the Queen, with Kensington Palace saying that sporting appointments “closely align with Her Royal Highness’ long-standing passion for sport and the lifelong benefits it can provide”.
Announcing the news on Twitter under the Kensington Royal account, Kate said: “I am so thrilled to become Patron of the @TheRFL and @EnglandRugby.
“Two fantastic organisations who are committed to harnessing the power that sport can have in bringing communities together and helping individuals flourish.”
The tweet was accompanied by a short clip of various rugby players passing the ball to one another out of shot, until it eventually lands in the hands of Kate, who is filmed in sportswear standing in a field.
In a subsequent tweet, Kate, who grew up watching England rugby games with her family, added: “I look forward to working with them across all levels of the games, and to cheering England on in what promises to be an exciting year for both sports! C.”
Ralph Rimmer, Chief Executive of the Rugby Football League said: “We are truly honoured by the appointment of The Duchess of Cambridge as the Rugby Football League’s Royal Patron.
“We are delighted to welcome her as we prepare to host Men’s, Women’s, Wheelchair and Physical Disability Rugby League World Cups in England this autumn.
“Our sport’s history has been built on a commitment to tackling inequalities and we honour that through our focus on having a positive social impact well beyond the pitch.
“We look forward to working with The Duchess in the years to come, and I know all levels of our sport will welcome her to the Rugby League family.”
Bill Sweeney, chief executive of the RFU added: “It is a great honour to welcome the Duchess of Cambridge as our patron.
“As rugby clubs have reopened across the country, players, officials, and volunteers are celebrating being back in the game together, and we know the support of the duchess will be greatly valued from our grassroots clubs and fast-growing women and girls’ game, right up to our elite men’s and women’s England teams.”
Kate’s new role puts her in direct competition with her husband, the Duke of Cambridge, who is patron at the Welsh Rugby Union.
The Duchess is expected to one day become the Princess of Wales and has previously supported the Welsh rugby team in previous Rugby World Cups.
News of her appointment comes ahead of the Six Nations tournament, which begins this weekend.
Additional reporting by PA
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