Fans of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge awoke to some pretty exciting news this morning: Kate Middleton is taking on a major new role (well, technically two major new roles).
Today, the official Instagram account for Middleton and her husband, Prince William, shared a video in which the duchess is tossing around a rugby football. Why? Because she has officially been named Patron of the Rugby Football League and Rugby Football Union.
In the video, Middleton sports a ponytail and athletic wear in blue and black. She tosses the football offscreen for a game of toss with several other rugby players.
Not only did we get a look at the duchess, but we also got an accompanying personal message. In the Instagram caption, Middleton wrote, "I am so thrilled to become Patron of the Rugby Football League and Rugby Football Union – two fantastic organisations who are committed to harnessing the power that sport can have in bringing communities together and helping individuals flourish." She continued, "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!"
How do we know Middleton penned the note herself? Because she signed it with her initial, "C," for Catherine.
While this news definitely is a big deal, it may not come as a total shock to those who follow the royal family very closely. Earlier this week, The Daily Mail reported that this announcement would be coming "imminently."
This role also might sound familiar because Prince Harry had previously been Patron of the RFU for five years, taking over in 2016 after serving as vice-patron. This is one of the first of Prince Harry's patronages to be passed on to another royal since he and Meghan Markle stepped away from their official roles as royals in 2020.
Congratulations to Kate!
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