Kate Middleton grins as she joins England rugby training session after taking over Prince Harry’s patronage

KATE Middleton grinned today as she joined an England rugby training session in her new role as patron of the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

The Duchess of Cambridge today took over the role from Prince Harry, along with his former role of Patron of the Rugby Football League after being gifted them by the Queen.

PAKate grinned today as she joined England rugby stars at training[/caption]

Kensington PalaceKate Middleton today took over as Patron of the Rugby Football League and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) today[/caption]

APThe roles, which she has taken over from Prince Harry, puts her in direct competition with husband Wills who is the patron of Wales Rugby Union[/caption]

The duchess, known for her love of sport and her competitive nature, took to the pitch with players for a special skills session run by head England coach Eddie Jones.

She is the first member of the royal family to officially receive one of the Sussexes’ past royal patronages, which they were stripped of post-Megxit.

Kate, who used to watch rugby with her family growing up, shared her joy at the appointments in a personal message on Twitter.

It was accompanied by a new video of the duchess, dressed in workout gear, showing off her skills, as she throws, catches and smiles as she spins a rugby ball on her finger, and virtually passes to a host of players.

The duchess wrote: “I am so thrilled to become patron of the @TheRFL and @EnglandRugby.

“Two fantastic organisations who are committed to harnessing the power that sport can have in bringing communities together and helping individuals flourish.

“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!”

Confirming Kate’s appointment today, Kensington Palace said the role closely aligns with her “longstanding passion for sport and the lifelong benefits it can provide”.

Chief Executive of the Rugby Football League Ralph Rimmer said the organisation is “honoured” and “delighted” to welcome Kate.

Mr Rimmer said in a statement: “We are truly honoured by the appointment of The Duchess of Cambridge as the Rugby Football League’s Royal Patron.

“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.”

Chief Executive of the Rugby Football Union Bill Sweeney added: “It is a great honour 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 grass roots clubs and fast-growing women and girls’ game, right up to our elite Men’s and Women’s England teams.”

Harry was forced to step down from his job as patron of the RFU last year after he and Meghan Markle quit royal life and moved to California.

The rugby-mad royal – who famously celebrated England’s 2003 World Cup win with the squad in Australia – had been patron at Twickenham since 2016.

He had taken over the role from the Queen, 95, having been her vice president since 2010.

But in February last year, Buckingham Palace released a statement confirming Her Majesty’s decision to relinquish Harry and Meghan of their honorary patronages – including Harry’s links to British sport.

The Palace confirmed the “honorary military appointments and royal patronages held by the duke and duchess” would be “returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of the Royal Family”.

NEW ROLE FOR KATE

Until now, no member of the Royal Family has been handed one of the Sussexes’ patronages.

The Queen may now start to redistribute more of Meghan and Harry’s dormant roles.

For Harry, these include his ex-military affiliations as well as the presidency of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust and the London Marathon Charitable Trust.

Meghan also had to hand back patronages with the Royal National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, as well as her vice presidency of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust.

Sporty Kate is already royal patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club and has previously cheered on England’s stars at Twickenham.

The team is due to play Wales at Twickenham on February 26, with both William and Kate supporting their respective sides.

The Rugby Football League – established in 1895 – is the national governing body for Rugby League in the UK.

It covers all forms of grassroots and the professional game, including women’s and wheelchair rugby.

Meanwhile, the Rugby Football Union is the national governing body for grassroots and elite rugby union in England.

With 1,900 member clubs is one of the largest sports organisations in the country.

Founded in 1871, it promotes and runs the sport, educates and trains players and officials, and runs the England men’s and women’s elite performance teams.

GettyHarry had been patron at Twickenham since 2016[/caption]

KENSINGTON PALACEEngland Rugby welcomed its new patron with this video[/caption]

PA:Press AssociationThey move will put her in direct competition with husband Wills[/caption]

AlamySporty Kate was gifted the roles by the Queen, Buckingham Palace announced today[/caption]