The Duchess of Cambridge has become patron of the Rugby Football League and the Rugby Football Union, Kensington Palace announced today.
Kate’s arrival as patron of these two rugby organisations further aligns with her “longstanding passion for sport and the lifelong benefits it can provide, both within our communities and on an individual level,” according to the Palace.
“We are truly honoured by the appointment of The Duchess of Cambridge as the Rugby Football League’s Royal Patron,” said the League’s Chief Executive, Ralph Rimmer, in a statement.
“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 honour 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.”
The Rugby Football Union’s Chief Executive, Bill Sweeney, added that “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 grass roots clubs and fast-growing women and girls’ game, right up to our elite Men’s and Women’s England teams.”
Kensington Palace announced that Kate has received these patronages from The Queen. Previously, Prince Harry was patron of both organisations, however, after stepping back from royal life in March 2021, he was required to relinquish all of his royal patronages.
Kate’s appointment as Royal Patron of England Rugby matches one of her husband’s roles. William served as Vice Patron of the Welsh Rugby Union from 2007 to 2016 before taking on the patronage from The Queen.
Kate’s love of sport has been well-documented. According to her younger sister Pippa in a column for Vanity Fair in 2014, “Rugby was a big thing for our family, we’d plan our weekends around the big matches.”
Kate is already the patron of several sports charities and organisations including the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, SportsAid, The 1851 Trust, and The Lawn Tennis Association.
