Kate Middleton has replaced Prince Harry as the patron of the Rugby Football League and the Rugby Football Union, making her the first in the family to officially push Harry out of his former royal duties. The duchess took to Twitter to announce her newest role, expressing her excitement alongside a clip of herself in sports gear playing rugby in the gardens of Kensington Palace.
In her announcement Kate stated “I am so thrilled to become Patron of the @TheRFL and @EnglandRugby… Two fantastic organizations who are committed to harnessing the power that sport can have in bringing communities together and helping individuals flourish.”
Kate Middleton Expressed Her Excitement For The Role, Stating "I Look Forward To Working With Them Across All Levels Of The Games"
She then added in a comment underneath “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”.
Middleton’s new position will surely come as a blow to the former prince. Being a big rugby fan, Harry had originally propositioned the prospect of remaining in the patronage role despite his departure from the royal family, a wish that was clearly denied.
Chief Executive of the Rugby Football League Ralph Rimmer declared that he was delighted to welcome the duchess aboard. “We are truly honored by the appointment of The Duchess of Cambridge as the Rugby Football League's Royal Patron.”
Both Rugby Organizations Declared That They Were Delighted To Have Kate Middleton Onboard
“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 honor 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 Rugby Football Union – was equally as pleased, uttering “It is a great honor to welcome The Duchess of Cambridge as our Patron.”
“Our aim is to enrich lives, introduce more people to rugby union, develop the sport for future generations and create a successful thriving game across the country.”
“As rugby clubs have re-opened 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.”
