Duchess Camilla Replaces Meghan Markle As Royal Patron Of National Theatre

Prince Charles' wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall is taking over one of Meghan Markle's former royal patronages.

Duchess Camilla has been named the new royal patron of the National Theatre.

The world-class theater in London announced the news via social media Friday, sharing a photo of its new royal patron and a statement from Rufus Norris, the director of the National Theatre.

"We are delighted to announce that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall has become our Royal Patron," the announcement on Twitter read. "The Duchess, a long-standing supporter for the arts, is a devoted fan of theater and champion of literature and drama."

Norris said he believes that Queen Elizabeth II had made the right choice in selecting Camilla for the role. He also acknowledged the support and contribution of Prince Charles' wife to the industry over the years.

"It is a privilege to welcome The Duchess of Cornwall as the National Theatre's Royal Patron. The Duchess shares our belief that theatre enriches our lives in so many ways and that everyone should have access to the arts and creativity no matter where they are in the world," Norris said. "The Duchess has shown great support to our industry throughout the pandemic, and I look forward to working with Her Royal Highness for many years to come."

He ended his statement by thanking Queen Elizabeth for her "long and unwavering support and service" to the National Theatre.

The monarch had been associated with the National Theatre since its earliest days in the 1960s. She last visited the publicly funded performing arts venue in 2013 with her late husband Prince Philip as part of its 50th-anniversary celebration, Sky News reported.

The Queen later passed on the patronage to Markle, who announced the National Theatre as one of the four causes she would support back in January 2019.

Duchess Camilla is the first royal to take over one of Markle's royal patronages, which the Duchess of Sussex gave up last year after she and Prince Harry confirmed that their royal departure was permanent. Markle kept two private patronages — Smart Works and animal charity Mayhew.

Along with his own royal patronages, the Duke of Sussex was also stripped of his military affiliations by the Queen following the couple's decision.

Camilla's current patronages include The Royal Academy of Dance, Royal Society of Literature, Friends of The Royal Academy, London Chamber Orchestra, National Youth Orchestra, Theatre Royal Bath, Unicorn Theatre for Children and Georgian Theatre Royal.

Meanwhile, Kate Middleton was the first working royal to take over one of her brother-in-law Prince Harry's former roles.

In February, the Duchess of Cambridge was named the new royal patron of the Rugby Football League and the Rugby Football Union, which oversee the two codes of rugby in England.