THE DUCHESS of Cornwall has been appointed Royal Patron of the National Theater by the Queen – the first of the Duchess of Sussex’s patronages to be taken over.
Meghan Markle, a former actress, was stripped of the prestigious role after she and the Duke of Sussex moved to the United States.
Camilla’s new duty is another sign of the Queen’s faith in her daughter-in-law, whom she endorsed as future Queen Consort while marking her historic Platinum Jubilee last month.
The Queen presented Meghan with two royal patronages in 2019 – the Royal National Theater and the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
But the monarch stripped the Duchess of it in 2021 following a review the year after Prince Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior royals.
Meghan also had to give up her role as vice-president of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, but retained her two private sponsorships – Smart Works and animal charity Mayhew.
Prince Harry lost his royal patronages and honorary military roles, with the Duchess of Cambridge later taking over as patron of the Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Football League.
The couple had wanted to keep the positions they had to give up, with a spokesperson for the couple saying in a statement at the time: “We can all live a life of service. The service is universal.
The National Theater said it was delighted that Camilla was given the role, describing her as a devoted fan of theater and a champion of literature and theatre.
Rufus Norris, Director and Co-Chief Executive of the National Theatre, said: “It is a privilege to welcome the Duchess of Cornwall as Royal Patron of the National Theatre.
“The Duchess shares our belief that theater enriches our lives in many ways and that everyone should have access to the arts and creativity, wherever they are in the world.
“The Duchess has shown great support for 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 Queen has been associated with the National Theater since its beginnings at the Old Vic in the 1960s, last visiting with the Duke of Edinburgh as part of its 50th birthday celebrations in 2013.
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Source: www.theargus.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-03-18 07:31:18
