Prince Harry will be replaced by another royal as patron of English rugby union after his decision to step down from his royal duties has seen him stripped of his patronages.
Kate Middleton is set to become the new patron of the English rugby union, with the announcement set to come ‘imminently.’
The Duchess of Cambridge’s role sets her up in direct competition with her husband Prince William, who became patron of the Welsh Rugby Union in 2016.
The Duke of Sussex, a keen rugby fan, was vice-patron of the RFU from 2010 to 2016 before he took over as patron.
It was in 2016 when the Queen, 95, handed Harry the patronage of the RFL and carried out the draw for the World Cup in January 2020 during Megxit.
In February last year, Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “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.”
It continued: “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.
“While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.”
Some suspect the monarch did not want to risk antagonizing her grandson, the Daily Mail reported.
“People just tread a bit carefully when it comes to them,” the source said.
The need for a figurehead is pressing as the Six Nations Championship is coming up.
Hockey and tennis player Kate is about to step into Harry’s shoes and will be the ‘front and center’ at the upcoming games.
The mother-of-three is already a patron of the Lawn Tennis Association, the All England Lawn and Tennis Croquet Club, SportsAid and the 1851 Trust.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section and SHARE this story with your friends and family!