RFU Thanks Duke of Sussex
The Duke & Duchess of Sussex confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen they will not return 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.
Royal patronages include that of Patron of the Rugby Football Union. The Duke of Sussex became Vice Patron on 6 February 2010, when England played Wales in the opening game of the Six Nations. He took over as Patron in December 2016, Her Majesty The Queen having been the Union’s Patron for 64 years.
He was President of the 2015 Rugby World Cup and Patron of the RFU’s All Schools programme, which introduces state secondary schools to rugby union. As a young man, he qualified as a rugby coach and worked with the RFU’s Rugby Development Officers.
RFU Chief Executive, Bill Sweeney said: “We would like to thank Prince Harry for his time and commitment to the Rugby Football Union, both in his position as Patron and Vice Patron. The RFU has greatly valued his contribution to promoting and supporting the game. We look forward to welcoming the Duke and Duchess of Sussex back to Twickenham at some point in the future.”
