Kate Middleton ‘replaces Prince Harry as new patron of English rugby’

The Duchess of Cambridge is taking over the role as patron of English rugby union from Prince Harry it is reported and she is the first royal to be given one of his patronages

Kate Middleton is to become the new patron of English rugby union, taking over the role from Prince Harry, it is reported.

The Duchess of Cambridge will reportedly be the first royal to take over one of Harry’s patronages with the announcement set to come “imminently”.

It means there will be plenty of rivalry during this year’s Six Nations championship with Prince William the patron of Welsh rugby union.

Harry walked away from royal life in 2020 with the Sussexes moving to California and he has been critical of the way he used to live in interviews with American media.

His decision to leave has seen him stripped of his patronages.

Harry, a keen rugby fan who also previously played the sport, was vice-patron of the RFU from 2010 to 2016 before taking over from the Queen as patron.

The 95-year-old monarch also handed him the patronage of the RFL in 2016 and carried out the draw for the forthcoming World Cup in January 2020 at the height of the “Megxit” saga.

According to the Daily Mail some suspect the Queen didn’t want to risk antagonising her grandson.

“People just tread a bit carefully when it comes to them,” said a Daily Mail source.

But with the Six Nations Championship imminent, the need for a figurehead was said to be “pressing”.

Tennis and hockey player Kate sailed from a young age and has long championed the physical and mental benefits of sports.

She is already patron of the All England Lawn and Tennis Croquet Club, the Lawn Tennis Association, SportsAid and the 1851 Trust, which works with young people.

Long before her 2011 marriage to William, Kate and her family would plan their weekends around international rugby matches.

She attended the 2015 World Cup in England and the 2017 Six