Kate Middleton could be busy when the rugby season kicks off next winter as the Duchess of Cambridge is set to replace Prince Harry in two of his patronages.

Prince Harry officially gave up his titles when he stepped back from his royal duties and moved to California with his wife, Meghan Markle, in 2020. In a Times report published earlier this week, it was revealed that Queen Elizabeth would give Kate two of the Duke of Sussex’s patronages -- the Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Football League. Prince Harry has held both titles since 2016 and served as vice patron for six consecutive years prior to this.

Queen Elizabeth will reportedly officially give Kate Prince Harry’s previous patronages in time for the Rugby Football League World Cup in October and November. As she becomes the new royal head of the English rugby, she will be head-to-head with her husband Prince William, who is the current patron of the Welsh national team and president of the Football Association.

Aside from her two new patronages, Kate has several other sporting duties as a working member of the royal family. She is currently the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club that hosts the Wimbledon tournament, the Lawn Tennis Association, SportsAid, and the 1851 Trust.

Kate and Prince William are known to be naturally athletic and playing tennis is considered one of their favorite hobbies. They also love rowing, playing cricket, and sailing against each other in public. The royal couple also regularly attends Wimbledon championships and was previously spotted at the UEFA Euro 2020 soccer championships. Kate also regularly joins Prince William at rugby matches, particularly the Welsh rugby matches that the Duke needs to attend as patron.

Meanwhile, Times also reported that Princess Anne will replace Prince Harry as Captain General of the Royal Marines. She is expected to be the first woman to assume the position. The Palace is yet to comment on the reports.

Kate Middleton
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 18: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at Kensington Palace on June 18, 2021 in London, England. The Duchess of Cambridge has launched her own Centre for Early Childhood, to raise awareness of the importance of early years. Chris Jackson/Getty Images
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