The Duchess of Cornwall is the new Royal Patron of the National Theatre.
The Duchess has been a long supporter of the arts and is known to like theatre, having an interest in literature, and drama specifically. The patronage is passed on from The Queen who has been associated with the National Theatre since its earliest days at the Old Vic in the 1960s. Her Majesty last visited the theatre with The Duke of Edinburgh during its 50th-anniversary celebrations in 2013.
Rufus Norris, the Director and Joint Chief Executive of the National Theatre, said of the Duchess’s new patronage: “It is a privilege to welcome The Duchess of Cornwall as the National Theatre’s Royal Patron. The Duchess shares our belief that theatre enriches our lives in so many ways and that everyone should have access to the arts and creativity no matter where they are in the world. The Duchess has shown great support to our industry throughout the pandemic, and I look forward to working with Her Royal Highness for many years to come. I would also like to express my thanks to The Queen for Her Majesty’s long and unwavering support and service to the National Theatre.”
The Duchess is known to be an avid theatre-goer and regularly visits different art organisations across the nation and overseas. Most recently, she visited Theatre Royal Drury Lane with the Prince of Wales last July to discuss the importance and resilience of theatre at the 2020 virtual Olivier Awards. Also known as the Laurence Olivier Awards, the awards recognise excellence in professional London theatre.
The Duchess’s other arts-related patronages include Royal Society of Literature, Friends of The Royal Academy, The Royal Academy of Dance, London Chamber Orchestra, National Youth Orchestra, Theatre Royal Bath, Georgian Theatre Royal, and Unicorn Theatre for Children.
