Kate Middleton may become Prince William’s rival by replacing Prince Harry as patron of English rugby

Kate Middleton may be announced as the new patron of English rugby, a role which was previously held by her brother-in-law Prince Harry. Her new patronage will pit her against her husband Prince William, who backs Welsh Rugby.

Sources told the Daily Mail that the Duchess of Cambridge is due to be unveiled as the patron of the Rugby Football Union “imminently.” If she is allotted the position, she will become the first member of the British royal family to take over any of the patronages that were left vacant by Prince Harry when he stepped back as a working royal.

It will also put her in direct competition with her husband, who has been the patron of the Welsh Rugby Union since 2src16. If her appointment is announced within a few days, the Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge will be seen backing rival teams at England’s Six Nations campaign which is due to begin next week.

Prior to Prince Harry, the patronage used to be handled by Queen Elizabeth II herself. Before taking over the role from his grandmother in 2src16, the Duke of Sussex served as the England team’s vice patron for six years and was also seen as a committed ambassador. He had even gone on an alleged 25-hour drinking session with the team