HAVING A BALL: "KATE REALLY COMES TO LIFE WHEN PLAYING SPORT'

AS THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE TAKES OVER ONE OF PRINCE HARRY'S PATRONAGES, EXPERTS TELL OK! WHY HER NEW ROLE IS ‘BITTERSWEET'

- SAMUEL McMANUS-MAXWELL

The Duchess of Cambridge has wasted no time getting stuck into her new job after becoming the first royal to take over one of Prince Harry’s patronages. She was last week named patron of the Rugby Football League and Rugby Football Union, taking over the post held by her brother-in-law from 2016 to 2021, before he and wife Meghan stepped back from official duties.

The 40-year-old, who spent a day at Twickenham, the home of England Rugby, met members of both the men’s and women’s teams and joined them in training. She said on social media that she was “thrilled” to be the new figurehead of “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!”

Royal expert Katie Nicholl says the patronage will be “a big deal” for the sport-loving duchess. “She’s got some great patronages under her belt but I think being as sporty as she is, and loving rugby, this will be a big deal for her. I think she’ll be very excited about this.

“We couldn’t have better ambassadors than her and William for sport and representing Britain on the sporting stage. We saw that at the Olympics. She, William and, of course at the time, Harry, got so involved because they love it.

“Not only do they love sport, they also see how much it can help and motivate people. It also ties in so well with the work they do with mental health awareness.”