The Duchess of Cambridge has become the royal patron of English rugby, taking over a role previously held by Prince Harry.
The news was announced with a fun video shared to the Cambridges’ official Instagram account, which showed Kate dressed in her sports kit, throwing a rugby ball. She becomes the figurehead for both the Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League, reports the BBC.
“I am so thrilled to become patron of the Rugby Football League and Rugby Football Union – two fantastic organisations who are committed to harnessing the power that sport can have in bringing communities together and helping individuals flourish,” the duchess wrote in the caption alongside the video. “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!”
A keen sports fan, Kate’s Kensington Palace aides say that the roles reflect her “longstanding passion for sport and the lifelong benefits it can provide”. She is also patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.