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Queen's new role for Kate Middleton after Prince Harry quit royal life

Kate Middleton is set to take over from Prince Harry as the patron of the Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League, according to The Sunday Times.

In February, Prince Harry was stripped of many of his patronages after he and Meghan Markle confirmed they would not be returning to their roles as senior royals in the family.

Prince William, Kate Middleton and Prince Harry
Kate Middleton is set to take on some of Prince Harry's former workload. Photo: Getty Images

On the chopping block were Harry's military titles with The Royal Marines, RAF Honington, Royal Navy Small Ships and Diving as well patronages with The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, The Rugby Football Union, The Rugby Football League and The Royal National Theatre.

Meghan and Harry's former roles reverted to the Queen, who redistributed them amongst family members.

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Now, it’s believed the Duchess of Cambridge will fill the boots of some of those roles, reportedly taking on the sports patronages.

There was speculation that perhaps Prince William would replace Prince Harry as patron of the Rugby Football League as he is already vice-patron of the Welsh Rugby Union.

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate Middleton on the Buckingham Palace balcony
Meghan and Harry's former roles reverted to the Queen, who redistributed them amongst family members. Photo: Getty Images

A source close to the Rugby Football League told The Telegraph that the organisation was left 'blindsided' by the final Megxit deal ahead of the World Cup later this year.

Meanwhile, it was speculated that Kate Middleton would step into Meghan's shoes as patron of the National Theatre, as she is already patron of the National Portrait Gallery and the V&A.

However, Kate Middleton is also an avid sports fan and has championed the mental health benefits of sports for years now.

She is also already a patron of the All England Lawn and Tennis Croquet Club, the Lawn Tennis Association, SportsAid and the 1851 Trust.

In February, the Queen was left ‘saddened’ by Prince Harry’s decision to quit the royal family permanently after he and wife Meghan stepped back from their duties just over a year earlier.

Kate Middleton and Prince Harry laughing
Kate Middleton is an avid sports fan and has championed the mental health benefits of sports for years now. Photo: Getty Images

A statement released by Buckingham Palace announcing the outcome of the 94-year-old's discussions with the Duke and Duchess reads:

"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of The Royal Family. Following conversations with The Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service. The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family. While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family."

In response, Meghan and Harry shared their own statement which appears to clap back at the Palace's suggestion that, due to their split from the royal family, the pair are no longer able to live a life of 'public service'.

Oprah Winfrey
Prince Harry appeared in a documentary about mental health with Oprah Windrey. Photo: Apple TV+

“We can all live a life of service. Service is universal,” a spokesperson for the couple said.

“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role.”

Since then, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have gone on to give a now famous tell-all interview about royal life to Oprah Winfrey, have started a podcast and Prince Harry has signed a book deal.

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