The Duchess of Cambridge has taken over the Duke of Sussex’s former roles as patron of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the Rugby Football League (RFL). Kate was given the royal patronages by the Queen, and Kensington Palace said the high-profile sporting appointments “closely align with Her Royal Highness’ long-standing passion for sport and the lifelong benefits it can provide”. It makes the duchess the first member of the royal family to officially receive one of the Sussexes’ past patronages.